A lecture by Torsten Bøgh Thomsen, University of Southern Denmark and Visiting Scholar, UC Berkeley.

In recent years, a host of Danish contemporary poets have been responding to environmental changes. Particularly the poet Theis Ørntoft has been praised for presenting a fresh approach to eco poetry with his collection of poems, Digte 2014. Ørntoft’s poetry differs from conventional climate literature with a distinctive blend of gallows humour and dystopian severity. It is critical towards capitalism and anthropocentrism and presents an awareness of privileges and human arrogance in a remarkably playful style. There is post-ironic solemnity and postmodern infatuation with signs and signification. The book deals with the possibility of human happiness in a time when humanity is placed in an existential crisis that is perceived as self-induced, in a world that is experienced as fallen, foreign and unpredictable. This presentation will discuss the ethical issues presented in the poems of Ørntoft with the inclusion of other relevant Danish poets.

Reception to follow.

With questions, contact issa@berkeley.edu or (510)642-4484