"But why did it have to be the death of the poet?"

 

Presented by
Robert D. Romanyshyn, Ph.D.

 

Friday, January 16, 2004, 8:00 pm

 

Jung asked this question near the end of his life.  In my talk I will look at the relation between the depth psychologist and the poet, and I will suggest that a psychology which is lived and worked with soul in mind situates the psychologist in the realm of dark light where he/she is a 'failed poet.'  I will also explore the ways in which this 'failure' is not a negative judgement, but a description of how Jung's psychology has its roots in the mythic figure of the shaman-poet Orpheus.  To illustrate some of my themes selections from poetry will be read.