Aime Cesaire

Cambridge Studies in African and Caribbean Literature

by Gregson Davis

Aime Cesaire is the best known poet in the French Caribbean. In this study Gregson Davis examines Cesaire's extraordinary dual career as writer and elected politician. As one of the most profound critics of colonialism, Cesaire, the acknowledged inventor of the famous term "negritude," has been a hugely influential figure in shaping the contemporary discourse on the postcolonial predicament. Gregson Davis' account of Cesaire's intellectual growth is grounded in a careful reading of the poetry, prose and drama that illustrates the full range and depth of his literary achievement.

Genres: Poetry

228 pages, Hardcover

First published October 16, 1997

Reviews

[Samir Rawas Sarayji · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good analysis of Cesaire's poetry and his three plays. However, the analysis is limited in scope to a handful of poems (although in fairness, Cesaire's most famous poem 'Journal of a Homecoming' is about 50 pages long, so dedicating a chapter to it is sensible). I particularly enjoyed the chapters on Cesaire's background and on his plays (which I look forward to reading).

I find Cesaire's poetry heavy-handed and the explanations here, while they shed some light, still didn't help me fully grasp the style of his poetry. The book tries really hard to cover the intertextual references or to link to the political Cesaire, while trying to discuss his entire oeuvre. The result is an overall intense focus on certain aspects and certain works, at the expense of an overarching understanding of Cesaire's motivation, style and general artistic concepts.

I found Davis arguments sometimes difficult to follow and overly long. I think this book is great for academics and researchers, but not so much for the interested reader looking for a deeper understanding of Cesaire's poetry or the politics that fashioned it.

[Mary Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful overview of Cesaire's work and major life events.