Wise Woman/Mad Woman

  • Rosemary Corcoran

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

In this essay, I will discuss how my research into witchcraft, feminism, and the tarot informed my poetry sequence, Wise Woman/Mad Woman. I will discuss form, technique, and structure, using contemporary poetry that alludes to witchcraft and related themes to show how my work both fits into and is distinctive in context. I will then reflect on the success of my collection overall.

Wise Woman/Mad Woman explores, in part, women reclaiming the name ‘Witch’, and how this coincides with the rise of feminism. I am a witch and a feminist, and many people of my generation have claimed both labels. I believe that calling yourself ‘Witch’ reclaims female narratives that were once used to belittle women. I have chosen to explore these narratives in my collection, taking inspiration from mythology, folklore, and fairy tales from around the world.
Date of Award7 Jan 2021
Original languageEnglish
SupervisorStephen Ely (Main Supervisor) & James Underwood (Co-Supervisor)

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