Gwen harwood

Gwen Harwood was one of the most recognized Australian poets; with her much accomplished life spanning 75 years from 1920 to 1995. She had a strong musical, philosophical and religious background, as well as living in a very feminist environment. After originally aspiring to become a musician, and even becoming a music teacher, she immersed herself in religion and philosophy. During this period she developed an interest in the German Language, which she learned during the 1950’s. German poetry interested Gwen, and in particular the German Poet Wittgenstein. During the same period she began writing poetry based on her religious and social beliefs.

In the 1950’s Australia was still a predominantly white, mi

Poetry is a deeply meaningful form of writing. It often can be written and deciphered on many different levels of understanding. One of the major levels in poetry is the context surrounding the poet, which includes cultural and biographical situations. When deciphering poems it is useful to have an understanding of the poet’s context as it enhances our understanding of the poetry.

During the rest of her life Gwen settled down into a role of wife and mother, but still won many awards for her poetry, including honorary doctorates of letters from the universities of Queensland, Tasmania and La Trobe.

One poem, ‘Alter Ego’, is a good example of the influence her psychological background played on her poetry, as it best described as being ‘a philosophical poem seeking to discover the poet’s nature, by exploring all aspects of her identity.’ As is suggested ‘Alter Ego’ is a poem that was used by Gwen to expresses her feelings of where she belongs in life.

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