The Problematic Enunciating Subject in Poetry: An Approach to Understanding

The Problematic Enunciating Subject in Poetry: An Approach to Understanding

The study of the enunciating subject in poetry is an area of great interest, particularly influenced by the field of pragmatics. In the 1960s, the focus of discussion shifted from the statement itself to the individuals involved in its production: the enunciator and the addressee. This shift led to the recognition of the poem as a special kind of statement, or a "special type of speech act," that involves both a sender and a receiver. In this communication, the identification of the poetic speaker becomes crucial, placing emphasis on the act of speaking itself as one of its fundamental features.

One notable example of a poetic speaker is Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda Dávila y Ahumada, known as Teresa of Ávila or Teresa of Jesus. Born in 1515 and recognized as a saint by the Church since 1622, Teresa was the founder of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites, a reform of the previous Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. She was not only a religious figure but also a poet of mystical poetry. Mysticism is a spiritual current present in various religions, not limited to Christianity, that seeks the highest degree of union between the soul and divinity during earthly existence. Christian mysticism can be traced back to figures such as Saint Paul and the Church Fathers, including Saint Augustine, Saint Gregory, Saint Ambrose, and Saint Jerome. It continued with influential figures like Saint Thomas Aquinas and eventually found expression in the works of Saint John of the Cross, Saint John of Ávila, and Teresa of Jesus.

Interestingly, Teresa's poetry was not fully appreciated until the 19th century, long after her death. One of her notable works, "Vivo sin vivir en mí," is a villancico, a poetic and musical form that was popular in Spanish and Portuguese from the 15th to the 18th centuries for both secular and religious themes. These villancicos often featured a refrain at the end of each stanza, which became one of their distinctive characteristics. In the case of Teresa's composition, the refrain "que muero porque no muero" has become a well-known phrase in the Spanish language, deeply embedded in our cultural heritage.

Examining the enunciating subject in Teresa's poetry provides valuable insights into her spiritual journey and her quest for a profound connection with the divine. Through her verses, she expresses the paradoxical experience of feeling alive while not truly living, a state of being that transcends the limitations of the physical world. This tension between existence and transcendence is a recurring theme in mystical poetry, as poets attempt to articulate their encounters with the divine and the ineffable.

Connecting these two aspects—the exploration of the enunciating subject in poetry and the mystical dimension of Teresa's work—reveals the shared goal of both disciplines: understanding the complexities of human expression and our yearning for spiritual connection. In both cases, the identification and interpretation of the poetic speaker are crucial for comprehending the deeper meaning embedded within the text.

To further explore the enunciating subject in poetry and draw inspiration from Teresa's poetic journey, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Dive into the Pragmatics of Poetry: Consider studying the field of pragmatics to gain a deeper understanding of the enunciating subject in poetry. By analyzing the roles of the speaker and the addressee, you can uncover the intricate dynamics of communication within a poetic context.

2. Explore Mystical Poetry: Delve into the works of mystic poets from various traditions, including Teresa of Jesus and others like Rumi, Hafiz, and Rabindranath Tagore. By immersing yourself in their verses, you can gain insights into the enunciating subject's spiritual journey and the universal quest for transcendence.

3. Reflect on Your Own Enunciating Subject: Take time to contemplate your own role as a speaker and the messages you convey through your words. Consider exploring different facets of your identity and how they influence your poetic voice. By examining your own enunciating subject, you can deepen your connection with your creative expression.

In conclusion, the study of the enunciating subject in poetry offers a fascinating exploration of human expression and our innate desire for connection and transcendence. Through the lens of Teresa of Jesus and her mystical poetry, we gain insights into the complexities of the poetic speaker and their quest for a deeper spiritual understanding. By delving into the pragmatics of poetry and exploring mystical traditions, we can enhance our own understanding of the enunciating subject and cultivate a more profound connection with our creative expression.