To my way of thinking the function of the poet is to make us aware of what we know and don't know we know

To my way of thinking the function of the poet is to make us aware of what we know and don't know we know

William S. Burroughs, the iconic Beat Generation writer, was known for his experimental and boundary-pushing approach to literature. His work often delved into the subconscious and explored the darker aspects of human nature. In the context of the quote “To my way of thinking the function of the poet is to make us aware of what we know and don't know we know,” Burroughs can be seen as a prime example of a poet who fulfilled this function.

Burroughs’ writing often challenged societal norms and conventions, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them. His work was filled with vivid imagery and surrealistic language that pushed the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Through his writing, Burroughs made readers aware of the hidden depths of their own consciousness and the collective unconscious that binds us all together.

One of Burroughs’ most famous works, “Naked Lunch,” is a prime example of his ability to make readers aware of what they know and don’t know they know. The novel is a fragmented and hallucinatory journey through the mind of its protagonist, who grapples with addiction, violence, and the nature of reality itself. Through the disjointed narrative and stream-of-consciousness style, Burroughs forces readers to confront their own preconceived notions of storytelling and meaning.

Burroughs’ work can be seen as a form of literary alchemy, transforming the mundane and the profane into something transcendent and revelatory. By pushing the boundaries of language and narrative structure, he challenged readers to question their own assumptions and beliefs. In this way, Burroughs fulfilled the function of the poet as described in the quote, making us aware of what we know and don’t know we know.

Overall, William S. Burroughs can be seen as a poet who pushed the boundaries of literature and challenged readers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them. Through his experimental and surrealistic writing, he made us aware of the hidden depths of our own consciousness and the collective unconscious that binds us all together. In this way, Burroughs fulfilled the function of the poet by making us aware of what we know and don’t know we know.