Evie Shockley, a distinguished professor, discusses Rita Dove's poem 'Hattie McDaniel Arrives at the Coconut Grove', highlighting themes of black actresses in old Hollywood and representation. She also explores her own poem 'The Blessings' referencing black literary figures, rhyme schemes, the representation of 'Eve', myth, lowercase style in poetry, and interconnectedness and resilience in her work.
Evie Shockley admires Rita Dove's elegance and portrayal of Hattie McDaniel's complexity.
Shockley's poem 'The Blessings' celebrates Black womanhood through lowercase letters and influential figures.
Deep dives
Rita Dove's Poem 'Hattie McDaniel Arrives at the Coconut Grove' Analysis
Rita Dove's poem 'Hattie McDaniel Arrives at the Coconut Grove' is discussed by poet Evie Shockley on the New Yorker Poetry Podcast. Shockley expresses admiration for Dove's work, particularly drawn to the elegance and poise displayed in the poem. The conversation dives into Dove's portrayal of Hattie McDaniel, capturing the complexity of her character amidst societal limitations and stereotypes. The analysis highlights Dove's skill in depicting McDaniel's arrival at the ballroom, challenging racial norms and celebrating her powerful presence.
Evie Shockley's Poem 'The Blessings' Explained
The poem 'The Blessings' by Evie Shockley, featured in the New Yorker's August 29th, 2022 issue, is discussed in relation to Black womanhood and solidarity. Shockley delves into the significance of the poem's lowercase letters, emphasizing an aesthetic choice that enhances the work's essence. The poem evokes a sense of naming and commemorating influential figures like Mary, Sarah, and even fictional characters like Sula Peace. Shockley discusses how the poem celebrates the choices and connections that define individual identity and collective experience.
Exploration of Myth and Self in Evie Shockley's 'The Blessings'
Evie Shockley's poem 'The Blessings' is examined through the lens of invoking myth and identity. The discussion focuses on the poem's use of lowercase letters, a deliberate aesthetic choice that enhances the text's depth and meaning. By referencing influential figures and weaving themes of Black womanhood and choice, Shockley's poem navigates the complexities of self-expression and connection. The conversation also touches on the poem's engagement with blues traditions and its ability to evoke a sense of shared experience and empowerment.
Evie Shockley's Manuscript Evolution and Themes in 'Suddenly We'
Evie Shockley reflects on the evolution of her manuscript 'Suddenly We' and the themes of Black womanhood, solidarity, and collective identity embedded within it. Shockley discusses her revising process, highlighting the intricate balance between individual poems and cohesive manuscript development. The conversation delves into the poem 'The Blessings' as a pivotal addition to the manuscript, emphasizing the exploration of connections, naming, and autonomy within the context of collective experiences and personal narratives.
Evie Shockley joins Kevin Young to read “Hattie McDaniel Arrives at the Coconut Grove,” by Rita Dove, and her own poem “the blessings.” Shockley is the author of six poetry collections and the Zora Neale Hurston Distinguished Professor of English at Rutgers University. Her honors include the 2023 Shelley Memorial Award from the Poetry Society of America, a Lannan Literary Award, the Stephen Henderson Award, and, twice, the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award in Poetry.