5 DEIXIS AND POETIC POINT
OF VIEW IN ENGLISH POEMS
The exploration of deixis in English poetry offers a
fascinating glimpse into how spatial, temporal, and
interpersonal elements shape the poetic point of view,
adding layers of meaning and nuance to the
interpretation of verses. Deictic expressions, with
their ability to guide readers through the intricate
landscapes of language, serve as essential
navigational tools within the canvas of English
poetry.
Spatial deixis in English poems is notably
manifested through the careful selection of words that
convey a sense of place or location. Poets employ
spatial deictic elements to transport readers to specific
settings, creating vivid imagery that enhances the
overall aesthetic experience. For instance, T.S. Eliot's
use of specific geographical references in "The Waste
Land" contributes to the poem's atmospheric and
symbolic significance, guiding readers through a
landscape rich in cultural and historical allusions.
[Chapman, Siobhan. 2011]
Temporal deixis, a dynamic facet of poetic
expression, involves the poet's manipulation of time
within the poem. Whether through explicit references
to historical events or subtle cues that allude to the
passage of time, temporal deixis contributes to the
poem's overall tone and atmosphere. In John Keats'
"Ode to a Nightingale," the poet employs temporal
deixis to explore the fleeting nature of beauty and the
inevitability of change, providing readers with a
profound meditation on the transience of life.
Interpersonal deixis, encompassing the
relationship between the poet as the speaker and the
implied or explicit audience, is another vital
dimension. Poets strategically use pronouns, such as
"you" or "we," to engage readers in a shared
experience or to create a sense of intimacy. In Robert
Frost's "The Road Not Taken," the use of the second-
person perspective invites readers to contemplate
personal choices, establishing a direct connection
between the speaker and the audience. [Crystal,
David 1985]
Furthermore, deixis in English poetry extends
beyond mere linguistic expressions to encompass
symbolic and thematic choices. Metaphors, symbols,
and allusions often carry deixis-like qualities,
requiring readers to navigate the poetic landscape
with an acute awareness of the contextual cues
provided by these literary devices.
In conclusion, the study of deixis in English
poetry enriches the analysis by highlighting the
spatial, temporal, and interpersonal dimensions that
shape the poetic point of view. Through an
exploration of specific examples, readers gain
insights into how deixis serves as a powerful tool,
guiding their interpretation and enhancing their
appreciation of the intricate relationships between
language, poet, and audience within the realm of
English poetry (Shamsitdinova, M. G. 2021).
6 PRESUPPOSITION AND
LAYERED MEANINGS IN
ENGLISH POETRY
The exploration of presupposition within the context
of English poetry unveils the intricate layers of
meaning that contribute to the richness and depth of
poetic expression. Presupposition, as a pragmatic
phenomenon, involves implicit assumptions and
shared knowledge that operate beneath the surface of
the language, adding nuance and complexity to the
interpretive process.
In English poetry, presupposition often manifests
through the poet's reliance on assumed background
knowledge or common cultural understanding. The
use of presupposed elements allows poets to convey
complex ideas and emotions with economy,
expecting readers to fill in the gaps and actively
engage with the text. For example, T.S. Eliot's "The
Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" presupposes a
familiarity with the social anxieties and existential
dilemmas of the modernist era, inviting readers to
delve into the layered meanings of the poem.
Metaphors, symbols, and allusions in English
poetry serve as powerful vehicles for presupposition,
requiring readers to decipher the implied meanings
and draw connections between the poet's words and a
broader cultural or literary context. The works of
metaphysical poets like John Donne often presuppose
a familiarity with religious and philosophical
concepts, creating a layered tapestry of meanings that
resonates with readers versed in these traditions.
[Grice, Paul. 1989]
Furthermore, the poet's worldview, values, and
beliefs often contribute to the presuppositions
embedded in English poetry. Poets may assume
certain moral or philosophical standpoints, inviting
readers to grapple with these assumptions and
consider their implications. The presuppositions
inherent in William Wordsworth's nature poetry, for
instance, reflect a Romantic worldview that values
the sublime in the natural world.
Presupposition in English poetry is not confined
to linguistic elements; it extends to thematic choices
and the poet's engagement with societal or cultural
norms. By recognizing and unraveling presupposed
elements, readers can delve into the subtext of the