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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 67-96 |
Journal | Omega (United States) |
Volume | 78 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2018 |
Keywords
- bereavement
- grief
- loss
- poetry
- review