Lyric / Narrative: Crossings, Tensions, Reconfigurations

Sixth Biennial Conference of the International Network for the Study of Lyric (INSL) University of Liège, Interdisciplinary Center for Applied Poetics (UR Traverses), June 1-3, 2027 Languages: French, English German

Since its founding, the International Network for the Study of Lyric (INSL) has sought to foster international dialogue and to renew critical perspectives on poetry by bringing together diverse theoretical frameworks, corpora, and practices. Previous conferences in Boston 2017; Lausanne 2019; Leuven 2021; Oslo 2023; Montréal 2025 explored various aspects of lyric, from its situatedness to its experiential dimensions and dialogue with other art forms. Building on this foundation, the sixth INSL conference delves into the relationship between lyric and narrative that has long intrigued scholars.

Traditional notions of lyric emphasize brevity, intensity, voice, and the present moment, contrasting with narrative’s focus on temporal unfolding and plot. However, hybrid forms such as verse novels, prose poems, and digital media challenge this dichotomy, blurring the lines between lyric and narrative conventions. This conference aims to explore how these intersections reshape our understanding of genre, reading practices, and critical categories.

The conference invites participants to explore themes such as lyric narrative, temporality in lyric forms, voice in storytelling, and the intersection of lyric and narrative across different media. Proposals are welcomed in various formats, including individual papers, panels, workshops, and more, reflecting the commitment to bridging theory and practice in the study of poetry.

Submissions should be sent by September 1, 2026, to mdelville@uliege.be, including a brief bio and bibliographical notice.