Valzhyna Mort Reads Victoria Amelina and Wisława Szymborska
Jul 24, 2024
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Award-winning poet and translator Valzhyna Mort reads poems by Ukrainian poet Victoria Amelina and Polish poet Wisława Szymborska. They discuss the art of translation, the power of precision in naming horrors, and the importance of rhythm and repetition in poetry. The episode delves into themes of resistance, survival, and the complexity of sharing experiences through poetry.
'Testimonies' by Victoria Amelina explores post-war trauma and the struggle for justice after a missile attack.
'Map' by Wisława Szymborska challenges established narratives and invites deeper reflection on truth and perception.
Deep dives
Victoria Amelina's Poem 'Testimonies'
Victoria Amelina's poem 'Testimonies' narrates the aftermath of a Russian missile attack, where women recount horrors in a small town. The poem captures the haunting testimonies of survivors, emphasizing the personal impact of conflict and violence. Through detailed accounts of atrocities and the poignant portrayal of witnesses, the poem conveys the complexity of post-war trauma and the struggle for justice in the face of loss and devastation.
Analyzing Translation in Wislawa Simborska's Poem 'Map'
Wislawa Simborska's poem 'Map' explores the deceptive nature of maps and their distortion of reality. The poet highlights the inherent untruthfulness of cartography, symbolizing the limitations of human knowledge and perception. By juxtaposing vivid descriptions with understated commentary, Simborska challenges readers to question established narratives and the veneer of information presented to them, inviting a deeper reflection on truth, representation, and the complexities of the world.
The Art of Understatement in Poetry
Both Victoria Amelina and Wislawa Simborska demonstrate the power of understatement in poetry. Amelina uses understated narrative details to evoke the quiet resilience and trauma of survivors, while Simborska employs subtle irony and blunt observations to critique societal constructs and human perceptions. Their poems showcase how understatement can convey profound emotions, social commentary, and philosophical inquiries with a minimalist yet impactful approach, inviting readers to engage deeply with the layers of meaning embedded within their concise verses.
Navigating Between Literal and Figurative Language
Victoria Amelina and Wislawa Simborska skillfully navigate between literal and figurative language to craft nuanced poetic narratives. Amelina's blend of personal testimonies with broader societal implications creates a multi-layered exploration of human experiences in times of crisis. Simborska, on the other hand, uses literal descriptions to subvert conventional perceptions and reveal deeper truths about reality and representation. By seamlessly weaving between concrete details and abstract reflections, both poets invite readers to contemplate the complexities of existence and the intricacies of storytelling.
Valzhyna Mort joins Kevin Young to read “Testimonies” by Victoria Amelina, which Mort translated from the Ukrainian, and “Map,” by Wisława Szymborska, which was translated, from the Polish, by Clare Cavanagh. Mort’s collection “Music for the Dead and Resurrected” won the 2021 International Griffin Poetry Prize and the 2022 UNT Rilke Prize. Her other honors include a 2021 Rome Prize in literature and fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Lannan Foundation, and the Amy Clampitt Fund.