Impersonality and Personality in the Poetry of fs (in the Context of Other Estonian Poets) Cover Image

"Mind the Gap". Impersonaalsusest ja personaalsusest fs-i luules (teiste eesti luuletajate kontekstis)
Impersonality and Personality in the Poetry of fs (in the Context of Other Estonian Poets)

Author(s): Aare Pilv
Subject(s): Poetry
Published by: SA Kultuurileht
Keywords: contemporary Estonian poetry; literary self; personality; fs - Estonian poet;

Summary/Abstract: The works of Estonian poet fs is analysed in personality perspective, discussing his pen name as well as the intonational style of his poetry. The pseudonym fs is a signature of poetical utterances, which does not exactly function either as a personal name or a role name, being rather a signal of a name's place. Thus the pen name designates a half impersonal degree of subjectivity rather than a subject aspiring to a specific personality. Something similar is conveyed by the intonation and manner of utterance of fs's poetry – on the one hand it is clear and objective, not tending to the impersonality of dreams or language games, but on the other hand his poetic expression lacks a clearly individual style, "timbre" or specific tone. The language of fs's utterances is one of a neutral "man in the street", with personality hardly marked at all. All this harmonizes with the essential motives of his poetry, such as, for example, a split within the author, i.e. an existential split between the machine/animal in a person and his human self-awareness, as well as a split between a poet's desire for authenticity and the semiosis engendered by the cultural context. The poetry of fs somehow positions itself beyond the opposition of authenticity and cultural role-play, while fs managing it without the help of any mystical usage makes him quite unique in Estonian poetry. The article analyses the development of fs's poetry, comparing it, among else, with the changes observable in the works of J. Viiding, and localizing it in the landscape of the poetry by the younger generation of modern Estonian poets.

  • Issue Year: L/2007
  • Issue No: 10
  • Page Range: 818-823
  • Page Count: 6
  • Language: Estonian