Poetry, Magic, Activism

Associate Professor Lara Glenum Department of English

Octavio Paz writes, “The conception of poetry as magic implies an aesthetics of action. Art ceases to be exclusively representation and contemplation; it becomes an intervention into reality.” In this class, we will investigate the role of poet as medium, conjuring visions from the beyond that explode our political, historical, and cultural realities. We will read widely among poets who conceive of their work as both a revolutionary act and a conduit for transformative, occult forces, including William Blake, Arthur Rimbaud, Georges Bataille, Cesar Vallejo, Aime Cesaire, Yoko Ono, Bhanu Kapil, and others. Students may choose to undertake either a critical or creative final project.