Imagist Poetry
December 14, 2008
-Formulated about 1912 by Ezra Pound
-American and English poets
-Aim=clarity of expression through the use of precise visual images
-Succinct verse of dry clarity and hard outline
-Exact visual image made a total poetic statement
-Imagism sought analogy with sculpture unlike French Symbolism Movement (affinity with music)
-1914 Pound moved to Vorticism
-From Imagist Manifesto:
-the use of language of common speech-no decorative words
-free verse epxresses individuality-a new cadence means a new idea
-absolute freedom in subject choice
-to present an image
-poetry should render particulars exactly and not deal in vague generalities
-oppose the cosmic poet who shirks the real difficulties of his art
-produce poetry that is hard and clear-never blurred or indefinite
-concentration=essence of poetry
Imagist Poets
Ezra Pound
Amy Lowell
Hilda Doolittle
Richard Aldington
F.S. Flint
Inspired by the critical views of T.E. Hulme who revolted against the careless thinking and Romantic optimism he saw prevailing.
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized. Tags: art, culture, imagist poetry, literature, poems, poet, poetry form, poetry structure, writing.
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1.
michaeldavidjay | December 16, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Do my poems have an archetype? I… did try to follow ancient principles on beautiful ways of forming ideas — but as far as I knew, my style was purely my own. (ok selfish question).
I did not realize that you turned off your RSS feed. I just visited your site and saw there was so much I did not read. It is good to read you again.
2.
Catherine Sherman | December 16, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I’m snowbound today, so it’s a good time to catch up on wonderful reading. Thanks for all of your information on poetry. This post makes me want to read more about Ezra Pound’s poetry. Hard and clear, never blurred or indefinite. Many people’s perception of poetry seems to be that it is vague, while prose is definite and clear, so I was glad to read this.
(Time for more snow photos! Thanks for your comment on my recent ones!)
3.
poeticgrin | December 23, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Your notes make me revisit poetry and view some of my favorite pieces in new and renewed light. I love having access to your notebook. Thanks
4.
neilina | December 25, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Thanks for such informative post….it was all new to me
5.
laijon | March 1, 2009 at 5:22 am
Under Wood Leaf Booth on the Bank
By Zhang Lei of Song (1054-1114)
Fragrant grasses have affection,
Declining sun speaks no words.
Wild gooses flying across river,
And I lean alone on the balcony.
I like your poems. And I’ve just found the best imagist poem. So I post here to share with you. Sorry about my rudeness.
The poet was a student and friend of Su Shi.