Poetry Unbound
Ellen Bass — Bone of My Bone and Flesh of My Flesh
Dec 11, 2020
Ellen Bass, a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets and a celebrated poet, brings her keen insights to the forefront. She explores the humor and complexity behind pet names, revealing how societal norms can limit our language of love. The conversation highlights the challenges of expressing deep emotions through everyday words, emphasizing the importance of affectionate language in nurturing relationships. Ellen’s reflections encourage listeners to rethink how they communicate affection and connect on a deeper level.
15:49
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast emphasizes the significance of affectionate nicknames, which convey deeper emotional connections beyond conventional terms like 'partner'.
- It highlights how diverse cultural expressions of love through language can foster appreciation and acceptance of relationships outside traditional norms.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Naming Love
Referring to a partner in a meaningful way often presents a challenge, as common nouns such as 'husband' or 'wife' may lack the emotional depth needed to convey true affection. The speaker discusses the limitations of functional language, suggesting that terms like 'spouse' and 'partner' can feel sterile and impersonal. Instead, the speaker advocates for using a rich array of affectionate nicknames to highlight the uniqueness and significance of the relationship. This choice reflects a desire to express the complexities of love in language that resonates both publicly and privately.
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