The Poetry of Grief: Beyond Scientific Portrayal

M.S. Stroebe*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

To comprehend grief, we need knowledge about the range of diverse reactions incorporated within it. While scientists have documented the phenomena and manifestations following the loss of a loved one in quite some detail, poets can add to our understanding by portraying these vividly, bringing the feelings to life. In this article, I map the array of grief reactions identified in scientific investigations. I then go on to give short, selective illustrations from poetry, ones that have enhanced my own understanding of grief. These choices are naturally influenced by my own preferences; I include those that I find personally appealing and evocative of the multifaceted manifestations of grief. My aim is to demonstrate the value of artistic representation for scientific comprehension.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)67-96
JournalOmega (United States)
Volume78
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • bereavement
  • grief
  • loss
  • poetry
  • review

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Poetry of Grief: Beyond Scientific Portrayal'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this