Poetic Diction

"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. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.