36 – Tony Hoagland – The American Poetic Voice

Tony Hoagland
Tony Hoagland

What is most distinctive about the American contemporary poetic voice? It may be its democratic vernacular, its elasticity, its plainness of style, its life-giving vulgarity, its pragmatism, its materialism, its self-regard, or its humour.

All of these features are embedded in that mysterious element we call Voice, that rhythmic undulating metabolism which transports and delivers whatever ‘information’ a poem contains.

This talk uses examples to analyze, admire and illustrate some of the specific secrets of the American voice, and will provide a means for considering the craft of any poetic voice.

Sponsored by David and Ann Tombs

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