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This course has allowed me to become more aware of Modernist poets by analyzing and studying several different philosophies. During this time, I was able to explore different meanings and messages behind the Harlem Renaissance, The lost Generation, and Imagism. Each week, I had the opportunity to close read different poems, acknowledging patterns, themes, and formation. By highlighting different nuances within each of the poems throughout the semester, I have developed a better understanding of how our Modernist poets lived their lives and how it affects me and my generation today.

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With all three Modernist theories (Imagism, The Lost Generation, and the Harlem Renaissance) each poem revealed different messages to their readers. For example, In H.D.'s "Sheltered Garden" I was able to briefly analyze the different composition techniques in her poem. H.D. does not necessarily implement a particular rhyming scheme in her poem, but she does use different patterns of repetition, and her poem as a whole reveals itself to be an extended metaphor. Right from the beginning, H.D. cries out for liberation and is posed to be angry, "I have had enough. / I gasp for breath" (1-2). In my Perusall post, I mentioned the following, "This first initial part screams "anger" to me, like she's fed up or upset about something. Maybe she was mad about her relationship with Pound or her father or even something else. Perhaps this is a breaking point for her. I think a critical theme is explained right here in the beginning-- freedom, or breakthrough." This striking beginning highlights her feeling about feminism [during the War].

Another critical moment that highlighted my close reading skills was during our Harlem Renaissance Unit. Here, I was able to connect on a more emotional level with artists like Langston Hughes and Claude McKay. Again, I demonstrated my ability to annotate texts with McKay's, "If We Must Die" by commenting some insights, "McKay is sharing a realistic experience, for he has witnessed loss in his life. Not just death, but lost of control. Also, he remains consistent in his poem by sticking with the ABAB/CDCD rhyming scheme." So here, I am discussing that McKay makes this poem personal by explaining how him and his people were treated, "Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot" / "While around us bark the mad and hungry dogs" (2-3). McKay presents a personal anecdote but also begins his poem with the ABAB/CDCD rhyming scheme (which reminds consistent throughout the poem).

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Analyzing is all about identifying the small details that create "the big picture". One prime example that I am able to reflect upon was looking into Langston Hughes's, "Let America Be America Again". Here, readers get the general idea that the message or theme in this poem is exploring the true meaning of Black Pride. Hughes shares his testimony by sharing his feelings towards his nation. He still loves America, however, he reflects on how America has treated him and his people and speaks that changes should be happening, "The craftsmanship of this poem created a sense of determination and sensitivity; to stay strong, and not fearful, which was critical during this time."

Hughes shares the trouble racial intolerance in his poem by saying these lines, “O, let America be America again–” / “The land that never has been yet–” / ”And yet must be—the land where every man is free.” / “The land that's mine—the poor man's, Indian's, Negro's, ME—” (Hughes 62-65). In my Modernist Critical Essay, I shared that Hughes uses several elements to convey his true opinions about America. He has different instances of structural differences and choice of language as noted here. Hughes made himself clear by elaborating injustice, racism, and unfairness throughout his poem.

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Inside The Minds of the Modernists Poets 

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Inside The Minds of the Modernists Poets 

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Ezra Pound was also a hard core Modernist poet. He explored the theory of "Imagism". Imagism can be best described as "treating the thing directly". To elaborate even further, the theory surrounds the thought of describing, not explaining. And by being descriptive, and that means using figurative language. In Williams Carlos Williams's, "This Is Just To Say", he remains quite persistent with his choice of phrase, being articulate and mindful in every line, "Forgive me" / "they were delicious" / "so sweet" / "and so cold" (9-12). Here, Williams is briefly describing the plums, delicately emphasizing how they were literally a pleasure to the taste, by being cold and sweet. Williams falls under the Imagism umbrella by highlighting the concrete imagery that he uses in his poem. In Professor's lecture, we learned that Imagism uses some of the following factors, parsed lines, symbolism, juxtaposition, and more. Also according to the presentation, Williams had the main objective of sharing his content and relaying it to everyday life, which I guess is by making it as descriptive and [straightforward] as possible.

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Our Modernist poets composed masterpieces that date way back in the 1900s, yet still manage to be applicable to our daily lives right now. In particular, I want to quickly discuss an example of a topic that is still happening right now in 2023-- stereotypes.

To be more specific, both Hughes and Bennett talk about stereotyping in their poems that we have read this semester. In Hughes's "Let America Be America Again" and Gwendolyn Bennett's "Song" both artists discuss different challenges that people of color face in their daily lives. Hughes channels in about minorities and majorities. Bennett examines stereotypes and cliches against women. I liked how Hughes periodically references slavery throughout his poem, signaling that Black folx were always working for the [white] men; and so by doing this, he has made his experience much more realistic and painful: "There’s never been equality for me” / “Nor freedom in this homeland of the free”... “I am the man that never got ahead” / “The poorest worker bartered through the years” (15-16, 37-38). Bennett addresses the pains that women struggle. It has been the narrative for the longest that women were responsible for looking pretty, which in turn, makes them powerless: “A praying slave” / “With a jazz-band after…” / “Singin’ slow, sobbin’ low.” (32-34).

Unfortunately today, people are still living in the past. We may not have actual slavery, but people do have limits. People of color (or idealistically speaking, anyone and everyone) are severely overworked and are not recognized for it. Life becomes a struggle when [white] people have the upper hand and the advantage. I know society has made changes (no discrimination towards employees, etc) but sometimes leaders still forget that staff are humans too. From the feminine perspective, some women are still facing different issues as well. "Bennett claims that Black culture needs to be [re]clarified with her, “Abandon tells you” (8) instead of holding onto a false truth". Women in today's society are still conflicted with "a woman can do whatever a man can do". A woman does have the power to do [masculine] things AND be lady-like and feminine.

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Writing 101... In a Upper English Class 

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Writing 101... In a Upper English Class 

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This course has promptly allowed me to expand my mind in terms of my approach to writing. The "Structure" and "The Secret Recipe for Quote Integration" were extremely helpful tools that I used while I was developing my paper. Reading and viewing the "Structure" powerpoint allowed me to gain knowledge and understanding that I have more creative freedom than I think I have. I am able to do the fundamentals of writing , but can jazz it up based off different strategies (the funnel method, for example). "The Secret Recipe for Quote Integration" provided helpful tips for me as a writer can implement a stronger way to include my documentation and sources. Including quotes at the appropriate time while making appropriate commentary will strengthen the paper so much more.

Understanding poem is not that simple. There are so many different interpretations when it comes to poetry, for there is no right or wrong answer. Poetry truly is an art, but the craft behind it is important. I know I have more work to do when it comes to close reading and analyzing different texts. I also know that I have weak points in writing, whether that be sometimes missing information or misplacement of information, or even addressing my sources more promptly and correctly.

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Here are 3 poems that I have created! This is the link to view:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OgAgC_N_y97Zi6Omqq-v-VngRQjqDhWycJYo54u9bmQ/edit?usp=sharing