Pantoum

Description:

Giorgos Seferis’s Pantoum, is a poem that draws from the traditional Malaysian pantoum structure. This poetic form relies on the repetition of lines to create a layered and evolving narrative. In Seferis’s Pantoum, every third line is repeated, with each iteration gaining new significance from its changing context within the poem. This approach imbues the work with a sense of continuity and transformation, reflecting Seferis’s ability to merge traditional forms with modernist sensibilities. His use of repetition not only honours the original structure but also enhances the emotional depth and thematic complexity of the poem. Seferis’s Pantoum was first published in 1940 in his collection titled Exercise Book (Τετράδιο Γυμνασμάτων).

About the poet:

Giorgos Seferis (1900-1971) was a prominent Greek poet and diplomat, widely regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th-century Greek literature. He was born as Georgios Seferiades in Vourla near Smyrna (now Urla near İzmir, Turkey) and later moved to Athens due to the Greco-Turkish War. Seferis studied law in Paris and embarked on a diplomatic career, which saw him serve in various countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and the UK.

Seferis’s poetry is noted for its exploration of themes such as Hellenism, exile, and the complexities of the human condition. His works often reflect the turbulence of the 20th century, including the impact of war and displacement. His notable collections include “Strophe” (1931), “Mythistorema” (1935), and “Gymnopaedia” (1936). In 1963, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, the first Greek to receive this honour, recognising his profound impact on modern poetry.

Seferis’s influence extends beyond his poetry to his essays and translations, through which he helped to introduce modernist ideas to Greek literature. He passed away in Athens in 1971, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire and resonate in contemporary Greek culture.