Author Archives: Olivia James

Exploring Silence in Whitman & Oppen

Posted on November 17, 2010 by Olivia James

For the final paper, I want to explore the trope of silence in poetry. What sparked my interest in this topic was Walt Whitman’s poem, “I Sit and Look Out.” Whitman ends the poem with a rare silence – one … Continue reading →

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A Hopeful Spahr

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Olivia James

Today in class we talked about Spahr’s poetry from a bleak, hopeless perspective. While I do understand this reading of Spahr, my overly optimistic nature isn’t completely satisfied with that reading. I found This Connection of Everything With Lungs to … Continue reading →

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George Oppen in Nature

Posted on October 19, 2010 by Olivia James

George Oppen and Mary Oppen at Point Reyes, 1977. What strikes me most about George Oppen’s poetry is his consistent comparison of humans and nature; not as a harmonious duality, but more as a constant battle. The first place I … Continue reading →

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The Saddest Verses

Posted on September 29, 2010 by Olivia James

Pablo Neruda’s “I can write the saddest verses” is a beautiful poem that desperately tries to comprehend heartbreak. In a way, he has come to terms with the loss of a great love in his life, but recognizes that sadness … Continue reading →

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133rd Street

Posted on September 22, 2010 by Olivia James

In Langston Hughes’ Not a Movie, he paints a romantic vision of New York City by talking about an African American’s journey in escaping the south, crossing the Mason Dixon Line, and not stopping until he reached 133rd Street. The … Continue reading →

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Cape Hatteras

Posted on September 15, 2010 by Olivia James

Hart Crane’s The Bridge immediately caught my eye because the name of the section we were assigned “Cape Hatteras.” Cape Hatteras has played a huge role in my life, as I’ve lived there every summer since I was born. I … Continue reading →

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Whitman’s New York

Posted on September 8, 2010 by Olivia James

Throughout Whitman’s poetry, it is evident how much he loves and feels connected to the city of New York, often referring to it as a crucial aspect of his entire being. One instance of this is in “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” … Continue reading →

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Spirituality vs. Religion

Posted on September 1, 2010 by Olivia James

While reading the inscription, Starting from Paumanok, what struck me most was the religious undertones. Without having extensive personal background on Whitman, reading Song of Myself prior to Paumanok gave me the impression that Whitman, although spiritual, seemed tolerant to … Continue reading →

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