Date of Award

5-19-2022

Publication Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

English Language, Literature, and Creative Writing

Supervisor

Susan Holbrook

Abstract

Poems From EDP presents a poetic memoir and accompanying essay that examines my 4 months spent in an eating disorder inpatient care program from January 21st 2019 to May 20th 2019. I utilize a series of experimental poetic forms to interweave the documentation I encountered within inpatient care and the erased individual beyond the documented patient. These poems mix conceptual, concrete, lyrical and prosaic poetry to create a subjective representation of inpatient care, one that acknowledges both a patient point of view and an institutional point of view. Mixing conceptual poetry with lyrical and prose poetry creates a more accurate representation of inpatient care where both the patient and the institution that treats them is highlighted. The mixing of forms of poetry creates an opportunity to reflect on how mental health is treated, where a one size fits all treatment plan is put in place despite the distinct differences between patients and their mental illnesses. Poems From EDP balances the human side of inpatient care playing with humour trauma and memory alongside the institutional where the patient is reflected solely through the documentation left behind after they exit the program.

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