"Poetic Diction: A Study in Meaning" is a foundational exploration into the relationship between language, imagination, and the historical development of human consciousness. Written by Owen Barfield, this profound philosophical inquiry challenges conventional views on how words acquire and change their meanings over time. Barfield argues that the study of poetry is not merely an aesthetic pursuit but a vital tool for understanding the very nature of perception and thought.
The work examines the concept of "meaning" through a philological lens, tracing how language has evolved from a state of original participation to its modern, more abstract forms. By analyzing the structural shifts in poetic expression, Barfield reveals how the creative use of metaphor and imagery serves as a window into the mind's evolving relationship with the world. He posits that the poet acts as a bridge-builder, recovering lost connections between the subjective self and the objective universe.
Essential for students of literary criticism, linguistics, and the history of ideas, "Poetic Diction: A Study in Meaning" remains a seminal text that influenced major thinkers and writers of the twentieth century. It offers a unique synthesis of aesthetic theory and semantic analysis, providing readers with a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of the written word.
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