Platonic Philosophy in the Poetry of Kathleen Raine

Abstract

This study aims at introducing Kathleen Raine, one of the lesser known English poets of the 20th century, and her poetry in the light of Platonism. Alongside her contemporary, the philosopher Iris Murdoch, Kathleen Raine is regarded as one of the greatest modern exponents of Plato and his sublime philosophy. In this study, the researcher has traced and discussed the Platonic doctrines of recollection and immortality of the soul as they appear in the poetry of Raine. This study endeavors to show the basic views that Raine shares with Plato and demonstrate how Raine has succeeded to revive the spiritual teachings and enlightenments of Plato to enhance the cause of spiritual ideals at a time when such ideals are losing color and tending to perish for good. The researcher believes that the poet has followed the same path as the philosopher though her approach is more imaginative and romantic.

Key words: Kathleen Raine; Platonism; Plato; Philosophy; Recollection; Immortality of the Soul