This review of Michael O’Neill’s last two poetry collections, "Return of the Gift" and "Crash & Burn", explores the way the poet recounts the painful experiences of his fatal cancer and its treatment. The review considers the way literature proves a source of consolation, as do the support and love of friends and family. The two collections also contain moving reminiscences of previous travels to favourite places like Venice and Malta. The review concludes by considering O’Neill’s translation from "Il Purgatorio", in which he continues the translation of Canto 28 left unfinished by Shelley; this translation is therefore a way of engaging with two poets who have meant a great deal to O’Neill, as well as with the ancient classics, since Canto 28 is the moment when Dante takes leave of his guide and mentor, Virgil.

'Why Not Wax as Well as Wane?' - A Review of Michael O'Neill's Last Two Poetry Collections

Gregory Dowling
2020-01-01

Abstract

This review of Michael O’Neill’s last two poetry collections, "Return of the Gift" and "Crash & Burn", explores the way the poet recounts the painful experiences of his fatal cancer and its treatment. The review considers the way literature proves a source of consolation, as do the support and love of friends and family. The two collections also contain moving reminiscences of previous travels to favourite places like Venice and Malta. The review concludes by considering O’Neill’s translation from "Il Purgatorio", in which he continues the translation of Canto 28 left unfinished by Shelley; this translation is therefore a way of engaging with two poets who have meant a great deal to O’Neill, as well as with the ancient classics, since Canto 28 is the moment when Dante takes leave of his guide and mentor, Virgil.
2020
48
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
07 Dowling first proof.pdf

non disponibili

Tipologia: Documento in Pre-print
Licenza: Accesso chiuso-personale
Dimensione 136.46 kB
Formato Adobe PDF
136.46 kB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in ARCA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10278/3738837
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus ND
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? ND
social impact