American English as a poetic resource

Abstract

Abstract “American English as a poetic resource” argues that American English is one of the country’s great poetic resources. It is remarkably adaptable, contested, and diverse. When poets explore American English’s poetic usefulness, the diversity of their approaches and interests demonstrates the language’s flexibility. They use American English to critique and celebrate America and its literary traditions and to create a distinctive literature that also draws from traditions outside it. They mark differences as well as affinities. In some cases, the poetry shows an exuberant appreciation of American English’s peculiarities, its quirks and openness to experimentation and cultural cross-fertilization. Discussed poets include Walt Whitman, Harryette Mullen, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Ezra Pound, and Robert Frost.