Modern American Poetry Study Day 3

Third Session, First Date.

‘Things As They Are’

Robert Jones concludes his three-part introduction to American poetry by looking at the bewildering diversity of poetic styles that flourish in the United States in the present day. Beginning with the Beats’ revolt against social and literary convention, the explosion of vibrant local scenes in major cities from New York to San Francisco, and the prominent involvement of poets in the politically charged 1960s, the session will also cover the increasing audibility of woman, black and Hispanic writers amidst the vigorous clamour of new poetic voices. Poets whose work will be discussed include Allen Ginsburg, Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, Muriel Rukeyser, Denise Levertov, Frank O’Hara, John Ashbery, Sharon Olds and America‘s latest Nobel Literature Laureate – Bob Dylan.