I myself is a hell : self-criticism in the poetry of Robert Lowell

الملخص EN

Self-Criticism as a „process of looking and judging [one‟s] faults and weaknesses‟ is a highly recommended and laudable practice that aims at self-improvement and self-betterment.

In his poetry, Robert Lowell, is engaged in a life-long process of criticizing and digging deep into his actions and behaviors.

This paper is an exploration of selfcriticism as a value and practice in selected poems by Lowell.

It argues that although Lowell‟s engagement in this practice does not result in overcoming his personal sense of frustration and betterment, it does contribute to maturing his poetic output.

is a highly recommended and laudable practice that aims at self-improvement and self-betterment.

In his poetry, Robert Lowell, is engaged in a life-long process of criticizing and digging deep into his actions and behaviors.

This paper is an exploration of selfcriticism as a value and practice in selected poems by Lowell.

It argues that although Lowell‟s engagement in this practice does not result in overcoming his personal sense of frustration and betterment, it does contribute to maturing his poetic output.