Margaret Atwood reads 'A Stranger' by Saeed Jones and discusses loss, memory, and the afterlife. They explore poetry's emotional depth, the writing process, and managing time during the pandemic. The episode also promotes works by the authors and The New Yorker Radio Hour.
Saeed Jones' poem 'A Stranger' explores themes of loss and memory through the concept of where the dead go when they die.
Margaret Atwood's poem 'Flatline' contemplates aging, mortality, and the peaceful end of life, revealing personal insights and inspirations.
Deep dives
Exploring the Poem 'A Stranger' by Said Jones
Margaret Atwood, in conversation, delves into the poem 'A Stranger' by Said Jones, expressing how it captures the theme of loss and memory. The poem's exploration of where the dead go when they die resonates with Atwood, who relates it to personal experiences of seeing deceased individuals in passing strangers. The discussion reflects on the theme of memory and loss, pondering whether the dead remember the living, adding layers of complexity to the concept of ghosts and afterlife.
Analysis of Atwood's Poem 'Flatline'
Margaret Atwood introduces and reads her poem 'Flatline,' which contemplatively reflects on aging, mortality, and the cessation of life through vivid imagery and introspective commentary. The poem navigates the physical and emotional changes that accompany aging, portraying a longing for an end to life's complexities and a journey towards a serene departure. Atwood candidly shares the inspirations and personal connections underlying the creation of the poem, offering insight into her creative process and thematic exploration.
Writing Poetry During the Pandemic
Margaret Atwood discusses the challenges of writing during the pandemic, highlighting the altered perception of time and the struggle to maintain productivity and motivation. The shifting temporal landscape leads to reflections on the elusive nature of creativity and the balance between conscious effort and subconscious inspiration in writing poetry. Amidst the uncertainties of the pandemic, Atwood emphasizes the importance of lists and routines to cultivate a sense of accomplishment and structure in daily life.
Margaret Atwood joins Kevin Youngto read “A Stranger,” by Saeed Jones, and her own poem “Flatline.” Atwood, a prolific poet and novelist, is known for brilliant books such as “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “The Blind Assassin.” Her many distinctions include the Los AngelesTimesInnovator’s Award, the Franz Kafka Prize, thepenCenter U.S.A.’s lifetime-achievement award, and not one but two Booker Prizes, most recently for “The Testaments.” “Dearly,” her first collection of poetry in more than a decade, came out in November.