Truth and Metaphysical Aesthetics in A. J. M. Smith’s Selected Poems

Abstract

Arthur James Marshall Smith, (1902-1980), a Canadian poet, critic, and professor who played a vital role in shaping the modern Canadian literary landscape, is known for his preoccupation with metaphysical aesthetics and truth that revolve around exploring deep philosophical themes. Through his keen observation and meticulous craftsmanship, Smith quests for unconcealing the potential truth and inherent beauty beneath the surface of human existence and the universe. Doing so, Smith explores the relationship between external beauty and intrinsic hidden truth that may transcend human understanding. His main concern is to reveal truths behind themes, notions, and the physical world rendered in a unique philosophical voice. Metaphysical aesthetics is the creativity of philosophical inquiries and debates of concepts where the vocalization of philosophical ideas wields poetic language and creative artwork. The present paper aims to examine the metaphysical and philosophical aesthetics in Smith’s selected poems and essays, arguing that there is a whole aesthetic realm behind the poet’s philosophical voice. This very realm reveals a tension between the endeavor to be hermeneutic to uncover the most fundamental metaphysical dimensions of human existence and harnessing unique aesthetic elements simultaneously. Employing Nietzsche’s notion of the will to power and Heidegger’s surrealistic outlook, this paper addresses Smith’s poetics of philosophy that deals with themes such as death unity, transcendence, the dynamics of spiritual transition, and the ideal nationality. Smith drags the reader’s attention to speculate the wonders of existence, the power of the mind, its interconnectedness with the cosmic essence, and the poetics of truth.

Keywords

• a.j.m. smith, metaphysical aesthetics, truth, heidegger, nietzsche, philosophical poetry.