THIS IS MY MOUNTAIN: WORD IMAGERY OF MOUNTAINS AND ROCKS IN TARJEI VESAAS’ POEMS

Abstract

The article analyses word imagery of mountains and rocks in the poems of the Norwegian writer and poet Tarjei Vesaas. The introductory part puts в defines the notion of “Vesaasian landscape”, suggested by poet and critic Tur Ulven. The analytical part discusses word images of mountains and rocks contained in Tarjei Vesaas’ six poetry books. In order to understand these images, the author attempts to interpret them, analysing the artistic means used by the poet and discussing his philosophical views. In the conclusion the author states that the images of mountains and rocks experienced a significant evolution, gained new content and meanings. In the early works, they are predominantly the background for the narrative, but gradually “fuse” with the action and lyrical subject and become more complicated, harder to interpret and analyse. The range of objects and phenomena symbolized by mountains involves: 1) home, a small motherland; 2) various stages in the course of human life; 3) mental and spiritual obstacles and barriers; 4) mind-suppressing fears and anxiety; 5) the inner world of a person, hidden from others, and sometimes – from himself; 6) natural, universal integrity; 7) mystical forces, enabling humans to live and create; 8) spiritual and moral suffering; 9) the image of the poet himself. Being an experimental poet and addressing his works not only to a Norwegian readership, Tarjei Vesaass always retained a national character that is revealed through complex, deep and multivalent relationships with nature. Often these relationships are realized through the construction of a unique artistic landscape, the central place in which is often occupied by mountains and rocks. Natural objects serve not only as a source of inspiration, but as an important means of understanding himself and the world around him.