Author Archives: James Hess

Revolution, Recitation, and Reconciliation

Posted on December 2, 2010 by James Hess

This is the beginning of my paper as it stands, though some things may obviously be subject to change in revision. Perhaps I’ll offer more posts as it becomes more fully formed. Despite the confusion, it is fun to write … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Revolution, Recitation, and Reconciliation

The Autopsy of an American Poet

Posted on November 3, 2010 by James Hess

“The Autopsy” by Michael Dickman There is a way if we want into everything I’ll eat the chicken carbonara and you eat the veal, the olives, the small and glowing loaves of bread I’ll eat the waiter, the waitress floating … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Where’s the Wisdom? The Head or the Beard?

Posted on October 28, 2010 by James Hess

After reading Kit’s post on Whitman’s beard, I found myself intrigued. Being a large fan of facial hair myself, I couldn’t help Googling it. Next thing I know, I find myself in an article from The Brooklyn Paper discussing how … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Oppen Contains Multitudes

Posted on October 22, 2010 by James Hess

“Of Being Numerous: 25” Strange that the youngest people I know Live in the oldest buildings Scattered about the city In the dark rooms Of the past–and the immigrants, The black Rectangular buildings Of the immigrants. They are the children … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Oppen Contains Multitudes

Credit Where Credit’s Due

Posted on October 8, 2010 by James Hess

Having never been exposed to a great deal of poetry in my private Christian high school, it would be an understatement to say that Allen Ginsberg’s Howl made an ‘impression’ on me the first time I read it at college. … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off on Credit Where Credit’s Due

Neruda as a Whitmanian

Posted on October 1, 2010 by James Hess

This week we dived into the work of some Latin American poets, but the one that stood out the most to me personally was Neruda’s. As per usual, we discussed the various ways in which Neruda’s work could be considered … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Neruda as a Whitmanian

“Walker’s Whitmanian Moment”

Posted on September 22, 2010 by James Hess

Margaret Walker’s poem “Southern Song” possesses various Whitmanian influences, from its strong sense of detail, its sense of crisis, and its focus on the unification of the body and soul. What interests me most though about this poem is not … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on “Walker’s Whitmanian Moment”

Too lovingly extravagant?

Posted on September 15, 2010 by James Hess

On a first read, I found myself repulsed by E. A. Robinson’s poem “Walt Whitman.” Bursting with hopeful sentimentality and warm, fuzzy emotions, his tribute poem felt  a bit overdone, to say the least. Then though, I stepped back for … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Whitman’s Version of the Artilleryman’s Vision

Posted on September 7, 2010 by James Hess

It was mentioned today in class by someone how much they appreciated Whitman’s composition of “The Artilleryman’s Vision” and its notable lack of violence or graphic detail. I applaud Whitman for this poem as well, though I wonder if it … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Appalachia

Posted on September 1, 2010 by James Hess

Like many other students, I imagine, this is my first foray into Whitman with any real depth. Though I was uneasy when I first picked up Song of Myself, I can’t help but be delighted with what I’ve learned so … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment