Abstract

This project compares the operational methods of three of Cole Swensen's books of poetry with ways in which the human mind and consciousness function. I use Daniel Dennett's Multiple Drafts Model of consciousness, as described in Consciousness Explained, alongside concepts presented in several other philosophical works , to demonstrate that significant similarities exist between the operations of poetry and consciousness in general, and that these operational similarities are especially noticeable in Swensen's work. This thesis examines several operational modes that are present within the human mind , as they are contingent upon the Multiple Drafts Model, and constructs a theory of how these same concepts and principles function within Swensen's poetic texts