The Transformation of Taoist Philosophy into Deep Image in W. S. Merwin's Poetry

Abstract

Eastern philosophies have undeniably left an indelible mark on the American poetry scene in the twentieth century, with the Deep Image school standing as representative. This paper focuses on how American poet W. S. Merwin realizes the transformation of Chinese Taoism into the Western deep image poetry. In the collection of poems, The Shadow of Sirius, the Taoism of reconciliation with death is transformed into the exploration of the collective unconscious. Simultaneously, the natural view of the unity of heaven and man is transformed into the communication of the image of “The third body”, skillfully effectuating the transformation of Eastern philosophy into Western poetics, employing diverse avenues of poetic expression.