Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis (Master's)
Department or Program
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
First Advisor
Rena Mosteirin
Second Advisor
Anna Minardi
Third Advisor
Matthew Olzmann
Abstract
Like a rhododendron, man most often presents to the observer his ornamental self. Yet, what keeps in the shadows of all he presents to the world? What remains beneath in the dark soils of past experience from where he’s come? What must perish and decay to yield hearty growth and an individual expression that reaches humbly, and more deeply, toward some divine light? And what of this seemingly intuitive notion of something sacred he may struggle to comprehend and know?
Behind the Rhododendron is an intensely personal collection of poems that earnestly strives to scratch at the surface of such existential concerns from the fluid perspectives of fathers, sons, and humans being spiritual. If there was any singular guiding principle in the creation of this work, it was just to attempt to artfully and honestly bring with the poetic form some of what is ugly and shaded into harmonious union with all that which is beautiful and enlightening.
Recommended Citation
Riley, TJ, "Behind the Rhododendron" (2024). Dartmouth College Master’s Theses. 161.
https://digitalcommons.dartmouth.edu/masters_theses/161