Poetry Part II: Modernism Poetry Part II: Modernism && Post-Modernism Post-Modernism

20th Century Anglo-Americans20th Century Anglo-Americans20th century Women Writers20th century Women Writers2020thth century African American Writers century African American Writers2020thth century Latin American Writers century Latin American Writers 2020thth century Asian-American Writers century Asian-American Writers2020thth century Native American Writers century Native American Writers

ModernModern Charles Darwin Origin of the Species Charles Darwin Origin of the Species

18591859 Karl Marx Communist Manifesto 1848Karl Marx Communist Manifesto 1848 Friedrich NietzscheFriedrich Nietzsche Sigmund Freud Interpretation of Sigmund Freud Interpretation of

Dreams 1899Dreams 1899 Carl G. Jung Carl G. Jung Max Planck quantum theory 1900Max Planck quantum theory 1900 Albert Einstein theory of relativity 1905Albert Einstein theory of relativity 1905 Heidegger & Sartre Heidegger & Sartre

WW IWW I Great DepressionGreat Depression WWII-Holocaust & Hiroshima WWII-Holocaust & Hiroshima Cold War Dizzying rapid changeCold War Dizzying rapid change Industrial revolutionIndustrial revolution Global VillageGlobal Village Artist goes within: Literature is subjectiveArtist goes within: Literature is subjective Pre-occupation with self, nature of consciousness, Pre-occupation with self, nature of consciousness,

perception, fragmentation of experience and perception, fragmentation of experience and thought, stream-of-consciousnessthought, stream-of-consciousness

Questions: Questions: – Existence of GodExistence of God– Human race as ‘Lord of the Jungle’Human race as ‘Lord of the Jungle’– Reason over emotionReason over emotion– Life is worth livingLife is worth living– RealityReality

ModernismModernism

Trends in literature in the early 20Trends in literature in the early 20thth century: Symbolism (French century: Symbolism (French poets: Charles Baudelaire), Futurism (Italian Filippo Marinetti), poets: Charles Baudelaire), Futurism (Italian Filippo Marinetti), Expressionism (Kafka, or German playwrights Georg Buchner & Expressionism (Kafka, or German playwrights Georg Buchner & Bertolt Brecht), Imagism (US & Brit., Ezra Pound), Vorticism (London Bertolt Brecht), Imagism (US & Brit., Ezra Pound), Vorticism (London also Pound & Wyndham Lewis), Ultraismo (Spanish poets Guillermo also Pound & Wyndham Lewis), Ultraismo (Spanish poets Guillermo de Torre), Dada (Paris Andre Breton), Surrealism (Fr/Sp Andre de Torre), Dada (Paris Andre Breton), Surrealism (Fr/Sp Andre Breton, automatic writing & free associationBreton, automatic writing & free association

( A rejection of 19( A rejection of 19thth c. traditions such as: a rejection of realism, or c. traditions such as: a rejection of realism, or rejection of traditional metre for free verserejection of traditional metre for free verse

Used different, complex forms and styles including: breaking from Used different, complex forms and styles including: breaking from chronological storytelling, stream of conscious writing style, chronological storytelling, stream of conscious writing style, fragmentation of images, more abstraction,fragmentation of images, more abstraction,

A rejection of historical continuity—places value and consciousness A rejection of historical continuity—places value and consciousness in the individualin the individual

Objective reasoning was the way to understand the world.Objective reasoning was the way to understand the world. Urban (dissociation) but separate from conventional, middle class, Urban (dissociation) but separate from conventional, middle class,

or capitalist valuesor capitalist values Multiple points of view, awareness of psychological theories.Multiple points of view, awareness of psychological theories.

Alfred Edward Housman Alfred Edward Housman 1859-19361859-1936

Educated at St. John’s College, OxfordEducated at St. John’s College, Oxford A clerk in the Patent Office LondonA clerk in the Patent Office London Poet and classical scholarPoet and classical scholar 1911 Professor of Latin at Cambridge1911 Professor of Latin at Cambridge Mother’s early death and father’s distance from family and Mother’s early death and father’s distance from family and

financial failures led him to a grim out look on lifefinancial failures led him to a grim out look on life Self-criticalSelf-critical Works: Propertius, Ovid, Juvenal, Manilius , Shropshire Lad Works: Propertius, Ovid, Juvenal, Manilius , Shropshire Lad

(collection of verse), Last Poems (collection), Prefanda, “The (collection of verse), Last Poems (collection), Prefanda, “The Name and Nature of Poetry” Name and Nature of Poetry”

Interest/inspiration: astronomy, Shakespeare, Hardy, M. Interest/inspiration: astronomy, Shakespeare, Hardy, M. Arnold Arnold

Grim comedy, ballad or hymns, brief, bleak themes of Grim comedy, ballad or hymns, brief, bleak themes of human existence, motion/travel, inevitability of death, human existence, motion/travel, inevitability of death, tumultuous love and sexuality tumultuous love and sexuality

William Butler Yeats 1865-William Butler Yeats 1865-19391939

Irish—1916 Irish uprisingIrish—1916 Irish uprising Lyric poet, political, manager of Abbey Lyric poet, political, manager of Abbey

Theatre, Theatre, 1923 Nobel Prize for Poetry1923 Nobel Prize for Poetry 1922-8 senator in 11922-8 senator in 1stst Irish govt Irish govt Inspirations/Influences: Edmund Spenser, Inspirations/Influences: Edmund Spenser,

English Romantics, rejection of Victorian English Romantics, rejection of Victorian conventions, Irish nationalist, conventions, Irish nationalist,

Occult & national interests, Swedenborg, Irish Occult & national interests, Swedenborg, Irish mythology & folk tales, Japanese artmythology & folk tales, Japanese art

Robert Frost 1874-1963Robert Frost 1874-1963

b. San Francisco, father newspaper editor died when 8 b. San Francisco, father newspaper editor died when 8 years oldyears old

Mother moved to Massachusettes teacher Mother moved to Massachusettes teacher Edu. Dartmouth College & HarvardEdu. Dartmouth College & Harvard then worked in mills & farm-Sympathy for working poorthen worked in mills & farm-Sympathy for working poor England 1912-15—then a professional writerEngland 1912-15—then a professional writer ““the old-fashioned way to be new” the old-fashioned way to be new” Regionalist, national & international politics, ambiguityRegionalist, national & international politics, ambiguity 4 Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry and numerous other honors, 4 Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry and numerous other honors,

incld. positions at Amherst College & degrees at Oxford & incld. positions at Amherst College & degrees at Oxford & Cambridge, 1961 John F. Kennedy’s inagurationCambridge, 1961 John F. Kennedy’s inaguration

Use of vernacular-‘the sound of sense,’ contrast of Use of vernacular-‘the sound of sense,’ contrast of seriousness & humor, lightness & gravity seriousness & humor, lightness & gravity

Influences: William JamesInfluences: William James

Ezra Pound 1885-1972Ezra Pound 1885-1972

B. Idaho edu. PennsylvaniaB. Idaho edu. Pennsylvania 1908 Europe friends w/ Yeats, later promoted Joyce & 1908 Europe friends w/ Yeats, later promoted Joyce &

Eliot: saw London as New Renaissance capitalEliot: saw London as New Renaissance capital Influe: Provencal & early Italian poetry, Pre-Influe: Provencal & early Italian poetry, Pre-

Raphaelites, Cubism, classic Chinese poems Raphaelites, Cubism, classic Chinese poems Imagist movement-concrete, economy, free verse Imagist movement-concrete, economy, free verse

(lyrics)(lyrics) Post WWI disappointment: critical of unchecked Post WWI disappointment: critical of unchecked

capitalism, defended fascistscapitalism, defended fascists WWII tried for treason- imprisoned, suffered WWII tried for treason- imprisoned, suffered

breakdown and incarcerated at St. Elizabeths Hospital breakdown and incarcerated at St. Elizabeths Hospital in DC 1946-58in DC 1946-58

New writing emerged; once released returned to Italy New writing emerged; once released returned to Italy

T.S. Eliot 1888-1965T.S. Eliot 1888-1965

B. St. Louis, edu. Harvard, the Sorbonne, OxfordB. St. Louis, edu. Harvard, the Sorbonne, Oxford 1914 met Pound1914 met Pound 1917 worked Lloyds Bank, then editor and director 1917 worked Lloyds Bank, then editor and director

of publishing houseof publishing house 1927 British citizen & member of Anglican Church 1927 British citizen & member of Anglican Church Poetry: satiric, allusive, cosmopolitanPoetry: satiric, allusive, cosmopolitan Voice of disillusioned generationVoice of disillusioned generation Classical, Royalist, CatholicClassical, Royalist, Catholic Literary critic & influential writingsLiterary critic & influential writings 1948 Nobel Prize in Literature and Order of Merit 1948 Nobel Prize in Literature and Order of Merit

William Carlos Williams William Carlos Williams

Medical student U.Penn-medical career Medical student U.Penn-medical career Rutherford, NJRutherford, NJ

Met Pound-avant-garde mvmt NYC, American Met Pound-avant-garde mvmt NYC, American poetic sensibility-rhythms of American speech, poetic sensibility-rhythms of American speech, thought, experience, & working-classthought, experience, & working-class

U.S. multiracial, immigrant, urban violence, U.S. multiracial, immigrant, urban violence, fragmentationfragmentation

Influences: Joyce, Pound, Gertrude Stein, Influences: Joyce, Pound, Gertrude Stein, Kenneth Burke, & painters: Matisse, Stieglitz, Kenneth Burke, & painters: Matisse, Stieglitz, BrueghelBrueghel

Influenced: Allen Ginsberg, Robert Lowell, Paul Influenced: Allen Ginsberg, Robert Lowell, Paul BlackburnBlackburn

Edna St. Vincent Millay Edna St. Vincent Millay 1892-1950 1892-1950

B. Maine parents separated, edu. Barnard C. & B. Maine parents separated, edu. Barnard C. & Vassar Vassar

Moved to Greenwich VillageMoved to Greenwich Village Bohemian rebel & free womanBohemian rebel & free woman Actor, playwright, prose writer, Actor, playwright, prose writer, LyricsLyrics 1923 Pulitzer Prize 1923 Pulitzer Prize Nervous breakdowns-farm, bad health, Nervous breakdowns-farm, bad health,

retreatedretreated Lyrics: musical, economical linesLyrics: musical, economical lines Sonnets: compared to Shakespeare & DonneSonnets: compared to Shakespeare & Donne

Dorothy Parker 1893-1967Dorothy Parker 1893-1967

B. NJ, father-manufacturer, Jewish, mother-Scottish, B. NJ, father-manufacturer, Jewish, mother-Scottish, died at 5 years olddied at 5 years old

Edu. Classics, French, politics, social issuesEdu. Classics, French, politics, social issues Supported herself after father’s death: Vogue, Vanity Supported herself after father’s death: Vogue, Vanity

Fair, Life, Saturday Evening Post, Fair, Life, Saturday Evening Post, M. Edwin Parker, Wall Street broker & military—after M. Edwin Parker, Wall Street broker & military—after

return 1919 problems & drinkingreturn 1919 problems & drinking Algonquin (restaurant) Round Table: Robert Benchley, Algonquin (restaurant) Round Table: Robert Benchley,

Robert Sherwood, Alexander Woolcott, Franklin Adams, Robert Sherwood, Alexander Woolcott, Franklin Adams, Harold Ross Harold Ross

Later depression, affair, abortion, suicideLater depression, affair, abortion, suicide The New YorkerThe New Yorker M. Alan Campbell, L.A., screenwritersM. Alan Campbell, L.A., screenwriters Sarcastic wit, outrageous behavior, heavy drinkingSarcastic wit, outrageous behavior, heavy drinking Short-story, poet, critic, screenwriter, playwrightShort-story, poet, critic, screenwriter, playwright

W. H. Auden 1907-1973W. H. Auden 1907-1973

Educated Oxford, teacherEducated Oxford, teacher Travelled to Germany oftenTravelled to Germany often poetpoet Marxist sympathizerMarxist sympathizer 1935 married Erika Mann for British passport to escape Nazi 1935 married Erika Mann for British passport to escape Nazi

Germany Germany 1946 U.S.A.met Chester Kallman lifelong friend and 1946 U.S.A.met Chester Kallman lifelong friend and

companion companion Change to Christian tone in poetry after mother’s death Change to Christian tone in poetry after mother’s death 1956 prof at Oxford1956 prof at Oxford His work early: engaged, didactic, satiric poems His work early: engaged, didactic, satiric poems Later work complex—the urbane, the pastoral, the lyrical, Later work complex—the urbane, the pastoral, the lyrical,

the erudite, the public, and the introspectivethe erudite, the public, and the introspective Used traditional patterns with contemporary language. Used traditional patterns with contemporary language.

Theodore Roethke 1908-Theodore Roethke 1908-19631963

Saginaw, MI, father owner greenhouseSaginaw, MI, father owner greenhouse Grad. UMich. Taught Literature & creative Grad. UMich. Taught Literature & creative

writing finally settling in UWash Seattlewriting finally settling in UWash Seattle Mental illnessMental illness Influenced by Auden, Emerson romanticism, Influenced by Auden, Emerson romanticism,

Eng. Ren. Lyricist, TranscendentalistsEng. Ren. Lyricist, Transcendentalists Autobiographical work, children’s nursery Autobiographical work, children’s nursery

rhymes & Freudrhymes & Freud Poems: short, rhyming Poems: short, rhyming

Dylan Thomas 1914-1953Dylan Thomas 1914-1953

Swansea, Wales father schoolmasterSwansea, Wales father schoolmaster Report in South Wales, then to LondonReport in South Wales, then to London Later worked for BBCLater worked for BBC Strong literary legacyStrong literary legacy Famous for public readings, Famous for public readings, Strict in form and rhymeStrict in form and rhyme Nature imagery, idealized childhood in countyNature imagery, idealized childhood in county Influenced by RomanticsInfluenced by Romantics Extensively revised own workExtensively revised own work 1934 1934 Eighteen Poems, Eighteen Poems, 99 poems in all 99 poems in all AlcoholicAlcoholic

Wislawa Szymborska 1923-Wislawa Szymborska 1923-

Polish poetPolish poet Lived in Poland during Nazi occupation, Stalinist Lived in Poland during Nazi occupation, Stalinist

Russia, and Communist Soviet occupationRussia, and Communist Soviet occupationUniversity of Krakow University of Krakow 1953 literary journal1953 literary journal 6 collections of poetry6 collections of poetry Nobel Prize 1996 for “for poetry that with ironic Nobel Prize 1996 for “for poetry that with ironic

precision allows the historical and biological precision allows the historical and biological context to come to light in fragments of human context to come to light in fragments of human reality,” reality,”

The value, fragility, and temporality of life; no The value, fragility, and temporality of life; no absolutes, nothing in life is guaranteed absolutes, nothing in life is guaranteed

X. J. Kennedy 1929-X. J. Kennedy 1929-

American poet & children’s writerAmerican poet & children’s writer Seton Hall, Columbia, UMich., Tufts, etc.Seton Hall, Columbia, UMich., Tufts, etc. Literary awards: NEA, Guggenheim, etc.Literary awards: NEA, Guggenheim, etc. Wrote children’s literature first for his Wrote children’s literature first for his

own children, numerous accoladesown children, numerous accolades Poetry: humorous or playful, play with Poetry: humorous or playful, play with

language, alliteration, metaphor, language, alliteration, metaphor, wordplay wordplay

John UpdikeJohn Updike fiction, poetry, essays, criticism, a play, children's books, fiction, poetry, essays, criticism, a play, children's books,

memoirs, and other prosememoirs, and other prose Marriage, adultery, family life, and faith, egocentric, Marriage, adultery, family life, and faith, egocentric,

existentialismexistentialism Small town, middle class, southeastern PA, individual freedom Small town, middle class, southeastern PA, individual freedom

and social constraintsand social constraints 1932–1950 Shillington PA (Reading) small town to farm1932–1950 Shillington PA (Reading) small town to farm 1950–1957 Harvard, 1950–1957 Harvard, Harvard Lampoon, Ruskin School of Harvard Lampoon, Ruskin School of

Drawing and Fine Art atDrawing and Fine Art at Oxford, Oxford, The New YorkerThe New Yorker Early Work, 1958–1965 Ipswich, MA publishing poetry, short Early Work, 1958–1965 Ipswich, MA publishing poetry, short

stories stories The Rabbit Saga, 1960–1990 same character different stages The Rabbit Saga, 1960–1990 same character different stages

of lifeof life 1957–1990 happy town life, travelling, left U.S. during 1957–1990 happy town life, travelling, left U.S. during

Vietnam, divorced and remarried small town Mass.Vietnam, divorced and remarried small town Mass. 1968–1990 autobiographical work, self-consciousness, finding 1968–1990 autobiographical work, self-consciousness, finding

placeplace Since 1990 numerous accolades American Award for Fiction, Since 1990 numerous accolades American Award for Fiction,

the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Howells Medal of the American Academy of Arts and Letters Howells Medal of the American Academy of Arts and Letters

Seamus Heaney 1939-Seamus Heaney 1939-

Derry Nothern Ireland, father- Catholic farmer & cattle dealer, 9 Derry Nothern Ireland, father- Catholic farmer & cattle dealer, 9 childrenchildren

1951 St. Columb’s College1951 St. Columb’s College 1957 Queen’s U. in Belfast-lectured in 19651957 Queen’s U. in Belfast-lectured in 1965 Death of a Naturalist 1965Death of a Naturalist 1965 1972 full time writer, moved to C. Wicklow, then 1976 to Dublin1972 full time writer, moved to C. Wicklow, then 1976 to Dublin 1984 appt. Boylston Prof of Rhetoric and Oratory at Harvard1984 appt. Boylston Prof of Rhetoric and Oratory at Harvard 1989 Prof. of Poetry at Oxford1989 Prof. of Poetry at Oxford 1995 Nobel Prize1995 Nobel Prize Descriptions of rural life, rustic childhood—RomanticsDescriptions of rural life, rustic childhood—Romantics Coming of age & keeping ancestral valuesComing of age & keeping ancestral values 1970s turbulence in Northern Ireland Catholics & Protestants1970s turbulence in Northern Ireland Catholics & Protestants 1972 1972 Wintering OutWintering Out, 1975 , 1975 NorthNorth, 1979 , 1979 Field WorkField Work 1980s allegorical, return to ancient times & medieval 1980s allegorical, return to ancient times & medieval 1990s 1990s Seeing Things—Seeing Things—parentparentss’ death’ death 1999 1999 BeowulfBeowulf & translations & translations

Mid to Late 20Mid to Late 20thth centurycentury Post-Modernism: what comes after modernism-no Post-Modernism: what comes after modernism-no

point in answering the world, further cynicism, point in answering the world, further cynicism, randomrandom

Women Writers: Feminist IssuesWomen Writers: Feminist Issues African American: Civil Rights IssuesAfrican American: Civil Rights Issues Latin American Writers: Civil Rights IssuesLatin American Writers: Civil Rights Issues Native American: identity issuesNative American: identity issues Jewish American: Saul Bellow, Philip Roth, Bernard Jewish American: Saul Bellow, Philip Roth, Bernard

Malamud Malamud Metafiction: representations of fiction, storytelling, or Metafiction: representations of fiction, storytelling, or

art in general. art in general. Magical Fiction—use of metaphysical devices: John Magical Fiction—use of metaphysical devices: John

Barth, Donald Barthelme, and Robert Coover Barth, Donald Barthelme, and Robert Coover

Postmodern 1960s+Postmodern 1960s+

A reaction to and continuation of A reaction to and continuation of modernismmodernism

a Rejection of any rational order a Rejection of any rational order Abandons traditional literary forms, often Abandons traditional literary forms, often

combining different genres & styles; an combining different genres & styles; an explosion of movementsexplosion of movements

Nihilism: no reason for values or morality, Nihilism: no reason for values or morality, or rejection of values: believes in nothing, or rejection of values: believes in nothing, cynical, randomness of existencecynical, randomness of existence

Playfulness, parody, & ironyPlayfulness, parody, & irony

Post-Modernism: what comes after moderism-no Post-Modernism: what comes after moderism-no point in answering the world, further cynicism, point in answering the world, further cynicism, randomrandom

Women: Susan Glaspell, Charlotte Gilman Perkins Women: Susan Glaspell, Charlotte Gilman Perkins African American:James Baldwin, Toni Cade African American:James Baldwin, Toni Cade

Bambara, James McPherson, Ralph EllisonBambara, James McPherson, Ralph Ellison Native American: Zitkala-Sa, Mourning DoveNative American: Zitkala-Sa, Mourning Dove John Cheever, Joyce Carol Oates, John UpdikeJohn Cheever, Joyce Carol Oates, John Updike Jewish American: Saul Bellow, Philip Roth, Bernard Jewish American: Saul Bellow, Philip Roth, Bernard

Malamud Malamud Metafiction: representations of fiction, storytelling, Metafiction: representations of fiction, storytelling,

or art in general. or art in general. Magical Fiction—use of metaphysical devices: John Magical Fiction—use of metaphysical devices: John

Barth, Donald Barthelme, and Robert Coover Barth, Donald Barthelme, and Robert Coover

Anne Sexton 1928-Anne Sexton 1928-

Born Massachusettes wealthy familyBorn Massachusettes wealthy family Father wool business owner alcoholic, mother well-educated, socialiteFather wool business owner alcoholic, mother well-educated, socialite Educated New England, eloped at 19 with Alfred Muller Sexton II (divorced 1973)Educated New England, eloped at 19 with Alfred Muller Sexton II (divorced 1973) 2 daughter-housewife, followed him from college to naval reserves duty2 daughter-housewife, followed him from college to naval reserves duty Returned to Boston, husband worked for her father’s business Returned to Boston, husband worked for her father’s business Lifelong bouts with depression-institutionalized-couldn’t care for her children for 3 Lifelong bouts with depression-institutionalized-couldn’t care for her children for 3

yearsyears Therapist encouraged her to write & attended poetry workshop at Tufts UniversityTherapist encouraged her to write & attended poetry workshop at Tufts University New England housewife turned poet, icon, taboo-breaking New England housewife turned poet, icon, taboo-breaking Great Imagery & insightGreat Imagery & insight Mid-centuryMid-century Technical strength in poetry – reminiscent of Poe & French symbolistsTechnical strength in poetry – reminiscent of Poe & French symbolists Person and direct poetry, “confessional” poetry, Person and direct poetry, “confessional” poetry, Student of Robert Lowell, mixes personal subject matter with traditional verse Student of Robert Lowell, mixes personal subject matter with traditional verse

formsforms Struggles with depression, suicide, marriage, sex, feminismStruggles with depression, suicide, marriage, sex, feminism Upper-middle class woman frustrated with sole role of wife, mother, homemakerUpper-middle class woman frustrated with sole role of wife, mother, homemaker Won Pulitzer Prize 1967Won Pulitzer Prize 1967 1970 teaching at Boston U. 1970 teaching at Boston U. Committed suicide 1974Committed suicide 1974

Adrienne Rich 1929-Adrienne Rich 1929-

Born Baltimore, MD: Father doctor, mother pianist-home schooledBorn Baltimore, MD: Father doctor, mother pianist-home schooled Great reader from a young age: Shakespeare, Keats, IbsenGreat reader from a young age: Shakespeare, Keats, Ibsen B.A. Radcliffe College 1951: same year won Yale Younger Poets B.A. Radcliffe College 1951: same year won Yale Younger Poets

Award, published first book of poetryAward, published first book of poetry Early work: conventional forms, meter & rhymeEarly work: conventional forms, meter & rhyme Imitated Auden, Yeats, Frost, using male voiceImitated Auden, Yeats, Frost, using male voice Married Alfred H. Conrad, had 3 sons traveled to Europe & kept Married Alfred H. Conrad, had 3 sons traveled to Europe & kept

writing publishingwriting publishing 1960s-70s: changes more unconventional poetry, more feminist: 1960s-70s: changes more unconventional poetry, more feminist:

abandons form in stanzas and rhyme schemes, more free verseabandons form in stanzas and rhyme schemes, more free verse She and her husband politically involved. NYC: Women’s liberation She and her husband politically involved. NYC: Women’s liberation

movement, writing about women’s history and movement, writing about women’s history and Husband committed suicide & she came out as a lesbianHusband committed suicide & she came out as a lesbian Numersous awardsNumersous awards 1980s moved to California with her partner1980s moved to California with her partner Won awards and positions including Prof at Stanford U. and more Won awards and positions including Prof at Stanford U. and more

prolificprolific

Sylvia Plath 1932-1963Sylvia Plath 1932-1963 Her life and early, tragic death resulted in great controversy about the quality of her Her life and early, tragic death resulted in great controversy about the quality of her

writing writing Otto Plath, father dominant head of family immigrated from Prussia in 1901, Darwinian. Otto Plath, father dominant head of family immigrated from Prussia in 1901, Darwinian.

Studied language, biology, zoology, entomology, PhD Harvard 1928. Died 1940 during an Studied language, biology, zoology, entomology, PhD Harvard 1928. Died 1940 during an amputation of his leg due to diabetes.amputation of his leg due to diabetes.

Aurelia Schober, mother 21 years younger and 2Aurelia Schober, mother 21 years younger and 2ndnd wife of Otto, was a high school teacher wife of Otto, was a high school teacher of languages.of languages.

Excelled in school, scholarship to Smith College where she began publishing her work, first Excelled in school, scholarship to Smith College where she began publishing her work, first at the at the Smith ReviewSmith Review and then in literary magazines. and then in literary magazines.

Left Smith and edited Left Smith and edited MademoiselleMademoiselle magazine in NYC. After this year, she began her life magazine in NYC. After this year, she began her life struggles with depression. struggles with depression.

She was given electroconvulsive therapy which was painful and terrified her. Thereafter She was given electroconvulsive therapy which was painful and terrified her. Thereafter she made her first attempt at suicide.she made her first attempt at suicide.

Treated in patient at Massachusetts General Hospital & then McLean Hospital and treated Treated in patient at Massachusetts General Hospital & then McLean Hospital and treated by a Freudian analyst. Returned to Smith in 1954.by a Freudian analyst. Returned to Smith in 1954.

Graduated from Smith in 1955. Started M.A. degree at Cambridge; completed in 1957.Graduated from Smith in 1955. Started M.A. degree at Cambridge; completed in 1957. 1956 met Ted Hughes, poet, and married later than year. They returned to the U.S. 1956 met Ted Hughes, poet, and married later than year. They returned to the U.S. She taught at Smith and Hughes taught and wrote. After a frustrating year, they gave up She taught at Smith and Hughes taught and wrote. After a frustrating year, they gave up

teaching to write full time.teaching to write full time. Moved to Boston where the wrote and met with other writers: Frost, Robert Lowell, Moved to Boston where the wrote and met with other writers: Frost, Robert Lowell,

Marianne Moore, Adrienne Rich, and Anne Sexton. Marianne Moore, Adrienne Rich, and Anne Sexton. 1959 travelled across U.S. and then returned to England. A daughter was born in 1961. 1959 travelled across U.S. and then returned to England. A daughter was born in 1961.

They separated the next year b/c Hughes was having an affair. Alone, Plath wrote.They separated the next year b/c Hughes was having an affair. Alone, Plath wrote. A single, working mother and depressed she struggled with her depression and the English A single, working mother and depressed she struggled with her depression and the English

dark, long winters exacerbated her condition. She committed suicide though first she dark, long winters exacerbated her condition. She committed suicide though first she made sure her children were taken care.made sure her children were taken care.

Sylvia-idealist, driven to self-improvementSylvia-idealist, driven to self-improvement First book of poetry First book of poetry The Colossus, nThe Colossus, novel ovel The Bell JarThe Bell Jar And left behind additional poetry and manuscriptAnd left behind additional poetry and manuscript

Diana Ackerman 1948-Diana Ackerman 1948-

b. Illinois, PhD Cornell U.b. Illinois, PhD Cornell U. D. Lit Kenyon College, Guggenheim GrantD. Lit Kenyon College, Guggenheim Grant Taught Cornell Taught Cornell The New Yorker, Smithsonian, National Geographic The New Yorker, Smithsonian, National Geographic Poetry, influenced by Hollywood and John Donne, Poetry, influenced by Hollywood and John Donne,

NASANASA Combination of opposites, abstract concepts and vivid Combination of opposites, abstract concepts and vivid

imagesimages Scientific Scientific Poet, essayist, naturalistPoet, essayist, naturalist 2 dozen works 2 dozen works A Natural History of the Senses, A Natural History of A Natural History of the Senses, A Natural History of

Love, One Hundred Names for Love, The Zookeeper’s Love, One Hundred Names for Love, The Zookeeper’s WifeWife

African American African American LiteratureLiterature The Harlem Renaissance: 1920s a convergence of black writers and The Harlem Renaissance: 1920s a convergence of black writers and

artists in NYCartists in NYC W.E. DuBois’ “The Souls of Black Folks” and Booker T. Washington’s W.E. DuBois’ “The Souls of Black Folks” and Booker T. Washington’s

“Up from Slavery” “Up from Slavery” ““A spiritual coming of age of the black race”A spiritual coming of age of the black race” Poetry, short stories, plays, research, visual arts, Poetry, short stories, plays, research, visual arts, 1925 1925 The New NegroThe New Negro a collection by Alain Locke prof at Howard U. a collection by Alain Locke prof at Howard U. 1926 Nation manifesto by Langston Hughes “The Negro Artist and 1926 Nation manifesto by Langston Hughes “The Negro Artist and

the Racial Mountain” the need for racial pride and artistic the Racial Mountain” the need for racial pride and artistic independenceindependence

Langston Hughes, Arna Bontemps, James Weldon Johnson, Nella Langston Hughes, Arna Bontemps, James Weldon Johnson, Nella Larsen, Countee Cullen, Claude McKay, Jean Toomer, Zora Neale Larsen, Countee Cullen, Claude McKay, Jean Toomer, Zora Neale HurstonHurston

Themes of African American experience, using folk literatureThemes of African American experience, using folk literature CrisisCrisis, , OpportunityOpportunity, and the , and the MessengerMessenger literary magazines literary magazines The Great Depression 1929 lack of resourcesThe Great Depression 1929 lack of resources The WPA Worker’s Progress A… and members worked for the NY The WPA Worker’s Progress A… and members worked for the NY

Federal Writers’ ProjectFederal Writers’ Project

Langston Hughes 1902-Langston Hughes 1902-19671967 B. Joplin, Missouri, lived in midwest and Mexico, NYC, France, Wash.D.C.B. Joplin, Missouri, lived in midwest and Mexico, NYC, France, Wash.D.C.

Credited as the first African American to make a living as a writer: poet, Credited as the first African American to make a living as a writer: poet, drama, fiction, autobiography, opera, musicals, even children’s booksdrama, fiction, autobiography, opera, musicals, even children’s books

Grandmother’s 1st husband died at Harper’s Ferry with John Brown, her 2Grandmother’s 1st husband died at Harper’s Ferry with John Brown, her 2ndnd husband was an abolitionist: family history of working for African American husband was an abolitionist: family history of working for African American rights; lonely childhoodrights; lonely childhood

Attended Columbia U. NYC, left in 1922 worked and travelled: Africa & Attended Columbia U. NYC, left in 1922 worked and travelled: Africa & Paris; back to U.S. 1924, already a well-known poet.Paris; back to U.S. 1924, already a well-known poet.

Influenced by Walt Whitman and Carl Sandburg, Paul Laurence DunbarInfluenced by Walt Whitman and Carl Sandburg, Paul Laurence Dunbar Dedication to black music—uses blues and jazz in his poetryDedication to black music—uses blues and jazz in his poetry Decided to write about the African American experience especially lower-Decided to write about the African American experience especially lower-

class class Harlem RenaissanceHarlem Renaissance Attended historically black Lincoln U. in PA grad. 1929.Attended historically black Lincoln U. in PA grad. 1929. There met “Godmother” Mrs. Charlotte Mason a patronThere met “Godmother” Mrs. Charlotte Mason a patron 1932 in Soviet Union & was very leftist in politics; moves centrist in WWII1932 in Soviet Union & was very leftist in politics; moves centrist in WWII 1937 Europe, Madrid during Spanish Civil War1937 Europe, Madrid during Spanish Civil War 1938 Harlem Suitcase Theater 1938 Harlem Suitcase Theater 1953 Senator Joseph McCarthy’s hearing 1953 Senator Joseph McCarthy’s hearing Infused Afro-American music traditions into his writing: jazz poetryInfused Afro-American music traditions into his writing: jazz poetry Racial pride and racial feeling: a radical democrat, love of humanity and Racial pride and racial feeling: a radical democrat, love of humanity and

sense of the ideal sense of the ideal

Latin American Latin American LiteratureLiterature Literature from the colonial period mirrored the styles and conventions of Literature from the colonial period mirrored the styles and conventions of

the countries of Spain and Portugal (largely outside of the European the countries of Spain and Portugal (largely outside of the European mainstream).mainstream).

1717thth century poet So Juana Ines de la Cruz, a Catholic nun who was century poet So Juana Ines de la Cruz, a Catholic nun who was silenced by the Monsignor is representative of the limitations on writers of silenced by the Monsignor is representative of the limitations on writers of the colonial period.the colonial period.

1919thth century-wars of independence: literature reflected issues of national century-wars of independence: literature reflected issues of national identity, threat of anarcy and social dissolution.identity, threat of anarcy and social dissolution.

Jose Joaquin Fernandez de Lizardi of Mexico, Andres Bello of Venezuela & Jose Joaquin Fernandez de Lizardi of Mexico, Andres Bello of Venezuela & Chile, Jose Hernandez of Argentina, Joaquim Maria Macado de Assis of Chile, Jose Hernandez of Argentina, Joaquim Maria Macado de Assis of BrazilBrazil

Cuban Revolution 1959Cuban Revolution 1959 A term for the many countries and cultures A term for the many countries and cultures Emergence in the 1970sEmergence in the 1970s 1980s with stronger immigration—8.9 million immigrants1980s with stronger immigration—8.9 million immigrants Immigration and Nationality Act (equal immigration)Immigration and Nationality Act (equal immigration) 38.8 million (identified) Latinos38.8 million (identified) Latinos Not published b/c belief that Latinos are illiterate.Not published b/c belief that Latinos are illiterate. Neo-colonial issues, follows history of wars of independence in early 19Neo-colonial issues, follows history of wars of independence in early 19 thth

centurycentury

Jimmy Santiago BacaJimmy Santiago Baca

B. 1952, mix of Chicano and Apache B. 1952, mix of Chicano and Apache Mother murdered by 2Mother murdered by 2ndnd husband, father died of husband, father died of

alcoholism. Left an orphanage in New Mexico for alcoholism. Left an orphanage in New Mexico for street life. Teen years filled with violence and drugs.street life. Teen years filled with violence and drugs.

San Quentin prison and ArizonSan Quentin prison and Arizon Writing in Prison “bridged my divided life of prisoner Writing in Prison “bridged my divided life of prisoner

and free man.”and free man.” Published in Published in Mother JonesMother Jones, editor Denise Levertov was , editor Denise Levertov was

a big supportera big supporter Writing led to self-discovery and connection with his Writing led to self-discovery and connection with his

heritage-healing. heritage-healing. Poetry of witness and clarity of images Poetry of witness and clarity of images . .

Martin EspadaMartin Espada

B. 1957 Brooklyn, parents Puerto RicanB. 1957 Brooklyn, parents Puerto Rican Lawyer BostonLawyer Boston Socially aware, urban poetrySocially aware, urban poetry Identity as a Spanish-speaking immigrant in Identity as a Spanish-speaking immigrant in

AmericaAmerica Influenced by Pablo NerudoInfluenced by Pablo Nerudo Writing classes at U Maryland, U Wisconsin Writing classes at U Maryland, U Wisconsin

BA History, J.D. Northeastern U., U Mass-BA History, J.D. Northeastern U., U Mass-Amherst English prof Amherst English prof

Asian American Asian American LiteratureLiterature 1960s1960s Americans of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Indo-Pakistani, and Americans of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Indo-Pakistani, and

Vietnamese and other Asian origins lumped together Vietnamese and other Asian origins lumped together Individual country, language, culture, historyIndividual country, language, culture, history Dealing with being a hyphenate (-)Dealing with being a hyphenate (-) National boundariesNational boundaries Immigration, discrimination, and international relation—warImmigration, discrimination, and international relation—war Exclusion Laws of 1882, 1888, 1892 refused Chinese laborers; Exclusion Laws of 1882, 1888, 1892 refused Chinese laborers;

unequal gender ratios, prohibited citizenship or ownershipunequal gender ratios, prohibited citizenship or ownership Philippine-American War (1899-1902), World War II, and the Philippine-American War (1899-1902), World War II, and the

Japanese occupation of Asian countries, and the internment of Japanese occupation of Asian countries, and the internment of Japanese Americans, Korean War, Vietnam WarJapanese Americans, Korean War, Vietnam War

Immigration and Nationality Act 1965—allowed quotas of Asian Immigration and Nationality Act 1965—allowed quotas of Asian immigrants =European immigrantsimmigrants =European immigrants

Racism, alienation, culture, history, identity, family, gender Racism, alienation, culture, history, identity, family, gender relations, loss of homeland, class, hope/anger with America, longing, relations, loss of homeland, class, hope/anger with America, longing, neo-colonialismneo-colonialism

Li-Young Lee 1957-Li-Young Lee 1957-

•Parents Chinese, born in Jakarta, Indonesia•Father was personal physician to Mao Tse-tung; spent a year as a political prisoner•Travelled throughout Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan, before arriving in America in 1964. •Studied at the U Pittsburgh, the U Arizona, and SUNY Brockport.•Married two children in Chicago•Two collections of poetry Rose (Brockport, NY, 1986) and The City in Which I Love You (Brockport, 1990) award winners•Critics find fault with his work for its looseness, both emotionally and linguistically •Fans like his modesty and unsentimental intimacy with which he handles his often sensational subject-matter.

Native American Native American LiteratureLiterature

Between 20 and 100 million people who spoke 300+ different languages 300 distinct Between 20 and 100 million people who spoke 300+ different languages 300 distinct cultural groups lived on the North American continent—and developed its own oral cultural groups lived on the North American continent—and developed its own oral literature containing ritual drama, song, narrative, and oratoryliterature containing ritual drama, song, narrative, and oratory

Shared belief in community and close coexistence of physical and spiritual realityShared belief in community and close coexistence of physical and spiritual reality Europeans and Euro-Americans began writing and preserving the oral traditions of Europeans and Euro-Americans began writing and preserving the oral traditions of

Native Americans since the early Spanish and French missionaries—and making them Native Americans since the early Spanish and French missionaries—and making them “literate”“literate”

Late 18Late 18thth and early 19 and early 19thth century Native Americans seek space and power—survival century Native Americans seek space and power—survival with the new United Stateswith the new United States

– Native Americans begin writing down their own languages and recording their storiesNative Americans begin writing down their own languages and recording their stories– Europeans and Euro-Americans begin ethnographic collections in the 19Europeans and Euro-Americans begin ethnographic collections in the 19 thth century century

1919thth c. the first Native American autobiographies and novels c. the first Native American autobiographies and novels– BlackhawkBlackhawk (1833), (1833), Black Elk SpeaksBlack Elk Speaks (1932), (1932), The Life and Adventures of Joaquin MurietaThe Life and Adventures of Joaquin Murieta (1854) (1854)– Mid-late 19Mid-late 19thth c. cultural preservation and instruction c. cultural preservation and instruction

U.S. policy of assimilation-General Allotment Act of 1887—boarding schools for N.A. U.S. policy of assimilation-General Allotment Act of 1887—boarding schools for N.A. childrenchildren

2020thth century “salvage anthropology Franx Boas century “salvage anthropology Franx Boas Early 20Early 20thth c. explosion of Native American writers in many genres—saving their c. explosion of Native American writers in many genres—saving their

cultureculture 1934 Wheeler-Howard Indian Reorganization Act—reestablished authority of tribal 1934 Wheeler-Howard Indian Reorganization Act—reestablished authority of tribal

governments (pre-loss 60%)governments (pre-loss 60%) House Concurrent Resolution 108 (1953)—termination government relationships with House Concurrent Resolution 108 (1953)—termination government relationships with

tribes—sent N.A. off the res.tribes—sent N.A. off the res. Native American Renaissance late 20Native American Renaissance late 20thth century century Vine Deloria Jr.'s (Standing Rock Sioux) Vine Deloria Jr.'s (Standing Rock Sioux) Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian ManifestoCuster Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto

(1969), philosophical, religious, political, legal critiques of American society (1969), philosophical, religious, political, legal critiques of American society N. Scott Momaday (Kiowa) N. Scott Momaday (Kiowa) House Made of DawnHouse Made of Dawn (1968), 1969 Pulitzer Prize in fiction. (1968), 1969 Pulitzer Prize in fiction.

Sherman AlexieSherman Alexie

B. 1966 Spokane Indian reservationB. 1966 Spokane Indian reservation Attended Gonzaga U. & Washington State U. Attended Gonzaga U. & Washington State U.

1995 B.A.1995 B.A. poet, writer, filmakerpoet, writer, filmaker Reservation BluesReservation Blues (1996), (1996), The Absolutely True The Absolutely True

Diary of a Part-time IndianDiary of a Part-time Indian, Films: , Films: The Business The Business of Fancydancingof Fancydancing (1992),and (1992),and The Lone Ranger The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heavenand Tonto Fistfight in Heaven (1993) became (1993) became Smoke SignalsSmoke Signals. . Indian KillerIndian Killer (1996). (1996).

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