Former Fulbright scholar Elisa Gonzalez discusses the intricacies of Czeslaw Milosz's poem 'Gathering Apricots' and her own work. The podcast explores self-referential elements, memory, and the challenges faced by poets. It delves into themes of autobiography, translation impact, and the balance between personal experiences and poetic expression.
'Gathering Apricots' examines memory and youth with intricate structure, while 'Failed Essay on Privilege' conveys emotions of guilt and reflection on societal privilege.
Deep dives
Exploring the Poem 'Gathering Apricots'
The podcast delves into the poem 'Gathering Apricots' by Tess Woff-Minoosh, focusing on its intricate structure and thematic elements. The discussion highlights the poem's commentary within itself and its reflection on memory and youth. Elisa Gonzalez, the guest, shares insights on her fascination with the poem's revision and its incorporation of a woman's memory, emphasizing the interplay between the past, the poet's reflections, and the poetic form.
Interpreting 'Failed Essay on Privilege'
The episode features Elisa Gonzalez reading her poem 'Failed Essay on Privilege,' which explores personal experiences of poverty and privilege. The powerful poem navigates the complex emotions of guilt, regret, and self-awareness surrounding societal privilege, education, and family background. Gonzalez's reflections offer a deep dive into the self-conscious quality of the poem and the nuanced exploration of autobiography in poetic expression.
Navigating Autobiographical Writing
The conversation extends to the challenges of autobiographical writing, particularly in poetry, as Gonzalez shares her journey of translating personal memories into poetry while navigating issues of authenticity and ethical representation. The episode highlights the poet's struggle with representing lived experiences and familial narratives, questioning the boundaries of self-reflection and poetic interpretation.
Approaching Cultural Themes in Poetry
The podcast concludes with a broader discussion on approaching cultural themes in poetry and literature, drawing parallels between Milosz's direct engagement with historical events and Gonzalez's inclination towards an indirect, slant approach to truth-telling in poetry. The episode emphasizes the power of poets to address societal issues through nuanced perspectives and creative interpretations.
Elisa Gonzalez joins Kevin Youngto read “Gathering Apricots,” by Czeslaw Milosz, translated by Robert Hass, and her own poem “Failed Essay on Privilege.” Gonzalez was recently a Fulbright scholar in Poland, and her work has received support from the Norman Mailer Foundation and the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference.