In search of the unknown poet: Luis Cernuda in Poemas para un cuerpo

Abstract

During the past and present centuries, literary theory has underlined the central importance of the text when studying poetry, while issues concerning the author who wrote the poetry tend to get dismissed. As a result of this emphasis, many textual aspects have come to light that were previously ignored. Nonetheless, the author is a concept that refuses to vanish completely from critical discussion. To exemplify the relevance of examining the person behind the poetry, this essay highlights the importance of the poet’s biography for an appreciation of a very special set of poems: Luis Cernuda’s Poemas para un cuerpo.