25th Annual Student Research Conference
"I Could Be A Biologist In This Poem": Reexamining What Comprises Voice
John H. Gibbs
Dr. James D'Agostino, Faculty Mentor
Upon reading the work of contemporary poets Matthew Zapruder and Katherine Larson I was moved by their ability to maintain a strong lyrical voice while simultaneously exploring interdisciplinary threads (musicology, biology, etc.). Their recent collections blossom with inventiveness that not only seeks to entertain, but also to educate. This exposure led me to inspect my own voice as a poet and reassert the poem's role as potential "educating tool" to be used for the betterment of our collective knowledge, and not solely as literary agent. In the wake of reading these poets I propose to compose a collection of poems that explores the linkage between poetic language and other areas of study; pulling from my own experience in Truman's own liberal studies program to gain material, for example. My research will further demonstrate the usefulness of acquiring a wealth of cultivated material to keep one's poetic voice conscious and alert.
Keywords:
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 105-4
Location: MG 1096
Time: 8:45