The lyrical voice of Maria Àngels Anglada: self-awareness and reflections on poetic creation

Abstract

Reflection on the poetic act and the lyrical voice constitutes a structuring element throughout the poetic oeuvre of Maria Àngels Anglada. This topic is articulated through a wide range of formulations: at times, references to poetic creation are subtle and merely suggested, while at others, the function of poetry becomes the poem’s explicit focus. In certain instances, considerations on poetic writing serve to defend the Catalan language; in other cases, Anglada uses the reflection on poetry to establish intertextual links with other poets. Ultimately, this is a matter that occupies a significant place in the author’s poetry, although it appears through a considerable diversity of forms and intentions. The aim of this article, therefore, is to offer a systematic synthesis of the reflections on poetic creation found in Anglada’s poetry, based on an analysis of those poems that address in particular the function, uses and limitations of the lyrical voice. This approach makes it possible to observe how the author’s poetic consciousness evolved over the course of her work, initially aligning itself predominantly with collective affairs and later shifting toward more personal experiences in the final stage of her literary career.