Islands and hemispheres (Derek Walcott, St. Lucia, with Original writing, Poetry)

In the context of aspects that shape an island life and a multicultural heritage, this dissertation centers on elements that form the writer and the work. To this end, essential qualities in the life and work of Derek Walcott are placed in dialogue with the author's background. This dissertation is also creative in concept and includes two collections of the author's poems that reference the dynamics and themes of the primary discussion.; As a conversation between Walcott and the author, Part I focuses on the significance of landscape, history, identity, the artist's life, the reading and writing life, the resultant voice, memory, and grief. The discussion is based on elements that create the island cultures in which Walcott and the author live. The inter-relationship of land, ocean, and history is central to the nature of island cultures, especially that which produces a new, and variegated, culture and identity. While there is profound reconciliation among these dynamics, the scope is fraught with tensions.; Part II. Pomegranate is a collection of the author's poems that explore the generations that shape a multicultural heritage. Historical and cultural aspects inform the exploration of families from both hemispheres; the juxtaposition of the author's ancestors in Bermuda and India is fundamental to the works. Autobiography, memoir, and tribute are central to this collection.; Part III. The way things become is the second collection of the author's poems. The experience of death and grief in the family, especially in context of generational relationships, is central to this group. These poems are combined with others that explore similar themes in the natural world and landscape.