This collection features twenty-six original essays by both established and emerging poets, delving into the complexities of reading challenging contemporary poetry. The contributors analyze current trends, strategies for engagement, and the rewards that come from grappling with difficult texts, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of poetry today.
Exploring the intricate friendship between Hart Crane and Allen Tate, this analysis delves into the evolution of twentieth-century American poetry amidst shifting sexual identities and literary roles. Langdon Hammer employs biography and formalist critique to reveal American modernism's dual nature—both liberating and elitist. Crane's pursuit of individual genius contrasts with Tate's embrace of traditional masculinity and criticism, reflecting broader cultural tensions. The discussion extends to Robert Lowell, whose "confessional" poetry echoes the Crane-Tate conflict, highlighting ongoing struggles within modernist discourse.