Poetry Unbound Natasha Trethewey — Miscegenation
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Oct 9, 2020 Natasha Trethewey, a former U.S. Poet Laureate and acclaimed author, shares her poignant insights on identity and history. She discusses her poem 'Miscegenation,' reflecting on how laws against interracial marriage shaped her parents' love story. The conversation dives into themes of race and belonging, exploring the complexities of mixed-race identity. Trethewey also connects her personal experiences to broader societal issues, revealing the power of poetry in navigating heritage and identity through a deeply personal lens.
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Trethewey's Shifting Perceptions
- Natasha Trethewey's mixed-race heritage shaped her experiences.
- Her perceived race changed depending on whether she was with her white father or Black mother.
Intertwined Narratives
- Trethewey's poem "Miscegenation" intertwines personal and historical events.
- It references Mississippi's anti-miscegenation laws, the Great Migration, and literary figures like Faulkner.
The Ghazal Form
- Trethewey uses the ghazal form to weave together disparate threads.
- The couplets, linked by the repeated word "Mississippi," create a sense of unity.