The New Yorker: Poetry

Rae Armantrout Reads Dorothea Lasky

11 snips
Nov 27, 2024
Rae Armantrout, a celebrated American poet and Pulitzer Prize winner, joins Kevin Young for a captivating dialogue. They explore Dorothea Lasky's poem 'Mother,' unraveling its themes of loss and maternal longing within a surreal landscape. Armantrout shares insights into her own poem 'Finally,' blending humor with the complexities of marriage. The discussion dives deep into the duality of love poetry, revealing how contrasting emotions illuminate profound truths, all while reflecting on poetry's role in personal and political landscapes.
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INSIGHT

Mother's World

  • The poem "Mother" blends everyday life with elements of fairy tale and myth, creating a unique world.
  • It uses simple language but presents a complex, dreamlike riddle.
INSIGHT

Lost in the Maze

  • The poem uses pluralities and repetition to create a sense of being lost in a maze.
  • This technique enhances the feeling of disorientation and the dreamlike quality of the poem.
INSIGHT

The Power of Mystery

  • The poem's mystery is a key part of its power, allowing for multiple interpretations.
  • This ambiguity creates a sense of wonder and invites the reader to engage with the poem on a deeper level.
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