LITERARY-CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES IN THE ESSAYS OF LOUISE GLÜCK

This article explores the literary-critical perspectives presented in the essays of Louise Glück, focusing on how her dual identity as poet and critic shapes her approach to literature. Drawing primarily on her essay collection Proofs and Theories, the study examines Glück’s reflections on poetic voice, authenticity, tradition, and the role of the writer in relation to personal and cultural experience. The research employs a qualitative textual analysis to identify key critical principles embedded in her essays, such as the tension between individuality and universality, the importance of restraint in poetic expression, and the ethical responsibility of the artist. The findings reveal that Glück’s literary criticism is deeply introspective and rooted in her own creative practice, offering a unique synthesis of personal insight and theoretical reflection. Rather than adhering to rigid critical frameworks, she constructs a flexible and nuanced mode of interpretation that emphasizes emotional truth and artistic integrity. Her essays challenge conventional distinctions between creative and critical writing, positioning criticism as an extension of poetic thought.