Bloom, E. Goldberg, K. Smith, L.P. Wilde, O.R. Bronte, C.J.
This interdisciplinary study explores the nexus of narwhals and romantic poetry through a close reading of literary works from the Romantic Era, as well as an analysis of the biology and behavior of the elusive narwhal. Through examining literary descriptions of the narwhal's tusk, our study reveals a striking correlation between the phallic symbolism of the tusk and the erotic undertones of Romantic literature. Additionally, our scientific analysis of narwhal migration patterns reveals a possible connection between the long voyages of these majestic creatures and the wanderlust of the Romantic poets. Overall, our findings demonstrate the intriguing overlap between the natural world and artistic expression, as well as the unexpected ways that science and poetry can converge.