James Joyce’s poetry is more than a century old, but it came to life Thursday afternoon in Wilson Library.
Michael Suarez, the director of the Rare Book School at the University of Virginia and a Jesuit priest, recited segments from Joyce’s collection of poetry titled “Chamber Music.” He also introduced the audience to samples of his own poetry.
Suarez’s seminar was the first in the “Poets in Person and on the Page” lecture series. Sponsored by the Rare Book Collection in Wilson Library, the lectures are designed to introduce UNC students and professors to a fusion of past literature and current works in progress.
Suarez’s personal collection of poetry touched on themes ranging from medical evaluation to Jesuit-inspired pieces on everyday miracles.
He said his dedication to poetry and literature draws mainly from theological roots.
“When you study the good, true and beautiful works of poetry, you see that the human himself is holy,” he said.
He said art is both a power and a force — it allows language to achieve the beauty typically associated with the divine.
“He made simple words come alive,” said Eli McCrain, a freshman anthropology major. He also said Suarez showed how important it is for students to study the humanities.
Suarez said studying the liberal arts allows students to free themselves and discover their individuality.
