The New Yorker: Poetry cover image

The New Yorker: Poetry

Yusef Komunyakaa Reads Marilyn Hacker

Jun 24, 2014
Yusef Komunyakaa reads Marilyn Hacker's poem 'Names' and his own work, exploring themes of absence in poetry and the influence of early 20th-century poets like the Imagists. The discussion with Paul Muldoon delves into poetic craft, storytelling voices, and the significance of names in evoking emotions.
11:45

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Marilyn Hacker excels in sonnets with everyday imagery and profound themes.
  • Yusef Komunyakaa's 'Night Gigging' integrates personal reflection with poetic traditions.

Deep dives

Exploring the Poem 'Names' by Marilyn Hacker

The podcast episode delves into the poem 'Names' by Marilyn Hacker, highlighted for its evocative language and shifting tones. Yousuf Kaminyaka, a Pulitzer Prize winner, shares his perspective on the poem, emphasizing its authoritative beginning and tension-filled middle, culminating in a powerful conclusion. The discussion extends to Hacker's adeptness in the sonnet form, where everyday imagery intertwines with profound themes, exemplifying her skill in crafting compelling poetry.

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