The Politics of Speech in Later Twentieth-Century Poetry: Local Tongues in Heaney, Brooks, Harrison, and Clifton

In the second half of the 20th century, local speech gained importance in English-language poetry, as demonstrated by poets such as Seamus Heaney, Gwendolyn Brooks, Tony Harrison, and Lucille Clifton. They responded to societal crises by arranging, reproducing, and reinventing their versions of local speech in poetic form, using "local tongues" to bridge aesthetic and sociopolitical realms and challenge hierarchical social conditions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 247 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The Politics of Speech in Later Twentieth-Century Poetry delves into the profound transformation of local speech within English-language poetry during the second half of the twentieth century. This insightful analysis is rooted in a crucial observation regarding four prominent poets hailing from both sides of the Atlantic: Seamus Heaney, Gwendolyn Brooks, Tony Harrison, and Lucille Clifton. These poets respond to societal crises by skillfully orchestrating, replicating, and reimagining their unique versions of local speech within the poetic realm. The central argument of the book is that "local tongues" in poetry possess the remarkable ability to transcend aesthetic boundaries and engage with sociopolitical issues. By embracing nonstandard local speech, which declares its deviation from the established norms and connects individuals who have been marginalized by hierarchical social structures, poetry can actively challenge and subvert the very hierarchies that seek to undermine these languages.

Furthermore, the diverse local tongues employed by these four poets are skillfully marshaled into the forms of poetry, placing them simultaneously within the realm of literary tradition, local contexts, and prevailing social constructs. This unique fusion of language and form creates a rich tapestry of poetic expressions that resonate with readers on multiple levels. Through their creative lens, these poets not only capture the essence of local speech but also harness its power to inspire, challenge, and transform societal norms.

In conclusion, The Politics of Speech in Later Twentieth-Century Poetry offers a groundbreaking exploration of the role of local speech in shaping the artistic landscape of poetry. By highlighting the responses of these four influential poets to societal challenges, the book demonstrates the profound capacity of poetry to bridge aesthetic and sociopolitical realms, fostering dialogue, empathy, and understanding. Through their innovative use of language and form, these poets have left an indelible mark on the literary world, reminding us of the importance of preserving and celebrating the diverse voices and languages that shape our world.

Weight: 467g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031078880
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022