On Modern Poetry

The emergence of the lyric as a dominant verse style in modern poetry symbolizes the age of the individual, allowing poets unprecedented freedom to write about private experiences, break rules of meter and syntax, and entangle first-person speakers with their own real-life identities. This transformation reflects profound historical and cultural shifts, such as the crisis of tradition, the rise of individualism, and the privileging of self-expression.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Harvard University Press

Between the end of the eighteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth, a profound transformation occurred in the world of poetry. The notion that poetry primarily aligns with the lyric in the modern sense, characterized by a first-person speaker engaging in self-reflection, was alien to ancient, medieval, and Renaissance poetics. However, in a remarkably short span of time, age-old conventions were cast aside, giving rise to unprecedented freedom for poets. They were now able to delve into obscure realms of personal experiences, defy traditional meter and syntax rules, introduce new vocabulary, and intricately entwine first-person speakers with their own real-life identities. As a result, poetry emerged as the most subjective genre of modern literature, allowing poets to express their innermost thoughts and emotions in a deeply personal and introspective manner.

To reconstruct this metamorphosis, Guido Mazzoni delves into theoretical reflections, literary history, and close readings of poets ranging from Giacomo Leopardi to Louise Glück. Through his analysis, Mazzoni demonstrates that the evolution of modern poetry entailed significant shifts in the perception, construction, and style of verse. He interprets these developments as symptoms of profound historical and cultural transformations during the modern period. These include the crisis of tradition, the rise of individualism, the privileging of self-expression, and the paradoxes that accompany it. Mazzoni also reflects on the place of poetry in contemporary mass culture, where its role has been largely overshadowed by popular music.

The result of Mazzoni's comprehensive study is a rich history of literary modernity, providing a bold and innovative account of poetry's transformations across centuries and national traditions. This book offers a valuable perspective on the evolving nature of poetry and its profound impact on the cultural landscape. It serves as a testament to the power of words and the enduring relevance of poetry in shaping our understanding of the world.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674249035