The Hatred of Poetry

Synopsis

No art has been denounced as often as poetry. It's even bemoaned by poets: 'I, too, dislike it,' wrote Marianne Moore. 'Many more people agree they hate poetry,' Ben Lerner writes, 'than can agree what poetry is. I, too, dislike it and have largely organized my life around it and do not experience that as a contradiction because poetry and the hatred of poetry are inextricable in ways it is my purpose to explore.'

In this inventive and lucid essay, Lerner takes the hatred of poetry as the starting point of his defence of the art. He examines poetry's greatest haters (beginning with Plato's famous claim that an ideal city had no place for poets, who would only corrupt and mislead the young) and both its greatest and worst practitioners, providing inspired close readings of Keats, Dickinson, McGonagall, Whitman, and others. Throughout, he attempts to explain the noble failure at the heart of every truly great and truly horrible poem: the impulse to launch the experience of an individual into a timeless communal existence. In The Hatred of Poetry, Lerner has crafted an entertaining, personal, and entirely original examination of a vocation no less essential for being impossible.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Hatred of Poetry Starts Here

* Discusses the widespread dislike of poetry among students, teachers, and the general public.
* Explores the reasons for this hatred, including its perceived difficulty, irrelevance, and perceived elitism.
* Example: A high school student who struggles to understand a poem by William Blake, leading to frustration and resentment.

Chapter 2: Poetry's Faults and Virtues

* Acknowledges the challenges of poetry but argues that its benefits outweigh its shortcomings.
* Highlights the complexities, ambiguities, and imaginative possibilities of poetic language.
* Example: A literary scholar who explains how a poem by Emily Dickinson can offer new insights into the human experience despite its apparent obscurity.

Chapter 3: The Historical Roots of Hatred

* Delves into the historical context of the hatred of poetry, tracing it back to the Romantic era's emphasis on individual expression and the rise of prose fiction.
* Discusses the influence of New Criticism, which promoted a technical and analytical approach to poetry that alienated many readers.
* Example: A university professor who demonstrates how the emphasis on formalism in New Criticism contributed to the decline of poetry appreciation.

Chapter 4: The Case for Poetry

* Makes a compelling argument for why poetry is still relevant and valuable today.
* Highlights its ability to express emotions, explore human experiences, and provide insights into the world.
* Example: A mother who reads a poem by Maya Angelou to her young daughter, sparking a discussion about identity and empowerment.

Chapter 5: Teaching Poetry Without Hate

* Offers practical advice for teachers on how to engage students with poetry and overcome their negative preconceptions.
* Emphasizes the importance of making poetry accessible, relevant, and enjoyable.
* Example: An English teacher who uses multimedia resources, group discussions, and creative writing exercises to foster a love of poetry in her students.

Chapter 6: Poetry in the Public Sphere

* Explores the role of poetry in the public sphere, from its use in political protests to its presence in advertising and popular culture.
* Discusses the power of poetry to shape public opinion and promote social change.
* Example: A poet who reads her work at a rally against police brutality, inspiring listeners to reflect on the issue and demand action.

Chapter 7: The Future of Poetry

* Speculates on the future of poetry and argues that it will remain a vital and influential form of art.
* Explores the potential for new technologies and changing demographics to reshape the landscape of poetry.
* Example: A digital poetry festival that brings together poets from around the world and provides interactive experiences for readers.