The New Yorker: Poetry cover image

The New Yorker: Poetry

Bianca Stone Reads Franz Wright

Nov 22, 2023
Bianca Stone and Kevin Young discuss Franz Wright's poem 'Learning to Read' and the themes of loneliness, learning, and the complex relationship with a stepfather. They explore the power and depth of poetry, the relationship between autobiography and poetry, and the framing and structure of a poem. They also touch on the IDF's bombardment of Gaza and the impact of sanitizing it on Israeli TV screens.
43:07

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Reading and language in poetry uncover aspects of our being and restore lost possibilities.
  • Poetry resists simple definitions but continues to captivate readers through its ever-evolving expressions and profound impact.

Deep dives

The Power of Reading and Language in Poetry

The podcast episode explores the significance of reading and language in poetry. Bianca Stone, a poet herself, discusses Franz Wright's poem 'Learning to Read' and how it celebrates the act of reading and language's ability to uncover aspects of our being. She also emphasizes the role of literature in restoring lost possibilities and acknowledges the transformative power of poetry. Stone's own poem, 'What's Poetry Like,' contemplates the nature of poetry, its contradictions, and its ability to capture the unconscious and the unspoken. The discussion highlights the importance of poetry in connecting with ourselves and others, as well as the lasting impact it can have on readers.

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