Radical Homelessness of Humanity in Derek Mahon's Selected Poems

Abstract

The notion of radical homelessness developed by Derek Mahon (1941-2020) is examined as one of the fundamental aspects of the human experience when individuals are troubled by the sense of displacement and existential despondency. The subject of radical homelessness, as discussed by Mahon, is not the only instance of exploring the issue; it is also a journey into the existential desire and alienation that is built into the experience of a human being. This paper espouses a transnational understanding that is the result of a feeling of displacement on the part of humanity. It is an extreme feeling of homelessness which may cause the person to ignore boundaries and acclimatize himself to a different place which is not his own country. It is the application of these theories of Martin Heidegger (1889-1976) and Gaston Bachelard (1884-1962) which are used to discuss what Mahon demonstrates. Their spatial ideas and spatial relations, especially the interaction of the inner and outer space give, a reinterpretation of the meaning of home. The idea of spatiality or transnationality represents the dream that man attempts to embrace by his experience of places.

        The purpose of this paper is to probe into Mahon's poetry and its geographic settings of alternate realms, envisioned tomorrows, and diverse places. The paper argues for a transnational perspective that stems from a profound sense of displacement experienced by humanity. It is a radical sense of homelessness that can lead the individual to neglect borders and adapt himself to an alternative location not his homeland. How does Mahon demonstrate that is meant to be discussed through applying the theories of the German philosopher Martin Heidegger (1889-1976) and the French philosopher Gaston Bachelard (1884-1962). Their concepts of space and spatial relationships, particularly the interplay between interior and exterior spaces provide a rereading of the meaning of home. The concept of spatiality or transnationality symbolizes aspirations the individual strives to capture through his unique encounters with locations.

Highlights

1- to provide a new reading for the conception of homelessness in Derek Mahon's poetry especially from the theoritical perception of Martin Heidegger and  Gaston Bachelard

2-to show that homelessness might be personally imposed as well as imposed from outside.

3. a new reading of Mahon's poems to show that displacement can provide the ability to to adjust one's self and being regardless of the boundaries imposed on humanity.

4. spatial ideas of Bachelard and Heidegger enabled the reader of Mahon's poems to reconsider the definition of home and existence.

5. Despite its being an ever changing world, the reader of Mahon's poems can, still, find a sense of belonging interdependently of location, memory,  and imagination. The sense of homelessness is a reminder of the human experience regardless of  all the types of boundaries. According to Mahon, man must find his place despite this everchanging uncertain world.