The argument of this volume is summarized in two simple thoughts. First, the later Kavafis is marked by a significant turning point. Starting from "I have conveyed to Art," where the invitation "Let me surrender to it" comes from, Kavafis seems to truly "surrender" to his Art and withdraw, as a person, from his poems. As "the reality of death, decay, and old age cannot leave him at peace," as Tellos Agras wrote, the artisan departs from his work, leaving behind stories, fragments of stories, stories of others like small biographies, where experienced time sometimes intertwines with history.

Second, that in the other aspect of this withdrawal, and starting from the poem "Noesis," we see an element of poetic and moral self-definition becoming more pronounced. The "how I now clearly see their meaning" brings forth the moral echo of a process taking place deep within Kavafis's poetry. We hear the undeniable trace of the voice of a man who finally sees that his life has meaning, even if he knows very well – or rather because he knows – that this meaning is what he himself has bestowed upon his life.

Author: DIONYSIS KAPSALIS
Language: GREEK
Pages: 96