Although writing poetry is much more rewarding, it can be harder than simply analyzing someone else's work. Because poetry requires such inspiration, more time and energy are needed to complete a good piece of literary art. If the creative juices are not flowing, writer's block can be frustrating and discouraging. The freedom that goes along with poetry is also rewarding. Any idea can be turned into poetry. The beauty and thought that poetry provokes can be as rewarding as the writing of the poem itself. As a whole, the process of writing poetry can be difficult, but the final result is usually worth the struggle.
Writing about poetry is much more simple in many ways. For the most part, analysis is more structured, with specific points of consideration. Much of the time, analysis is based on the formal structure of the poem, rather than interpretation of a poem. Writing about poetry can be easier from a formalist perspective. Inspiration in analysis is not really necessary as this aspect of poetry is ingrained into the minds of English majors. Analysis can be learned, whereas inspiration and creativity are more innate.
Even as I write this, I find that it was easier than writing the creative poetry, but it is not nearly as enjoyable. In my opinion, the difference lies in the process. The process of writing poetry, although more difficult, is more rewarding. In contrast, the process of writing about poetry is easier, but is not filled with inspiration and creativity.
Hi Paula.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that it is easier to anaylize other's poetry than to actually write a poem. After all, it is easier to take apart a puzzle than to actually put one together, right? I think the great thing about our poetry assignments is that we could compare and contrast these two disciplines.
Another constructive aspect of our poetry exercises were the brainstorm sessions we used to find ideas to formulate our poems. While I do not write much poetry these days (I used to be much more prolific), I always found these types of exercises helpful in drumming up ideas. You write of "inspiration" when creating a poem and I think both of Dr. Baxter's "free writes" were great examples of how inspiration can seemingly be created out of thin air. While we may not always think we have the proper "inspiration" to write a well-thought-out/revealing poem, I again think that these types of brainstorm sessions are a great way to dig up ideas, feelings, and ghosts that we've had buried deep inside. In the end, these ideas can make great fodder for writing, as well as lead to the discovery of profound thoughts and ideas that we may not have known were within us.
Paula, I'm happy to comment on your blog because I have enjoyed working with you in ENG495. I also strongly agree with what Art said that "it is easier to take apart a puzzle than to actually put one together." Yet I found the writing to be so much easier than the explicating. But since I don't trust my talent as a "poet," I would have expected the explication to be much easier. However, you zeroed in on what made the creative writing so much more enjoyable, hence easier. It was the inspiration I felt when I wrote. The first poem I wrote was about my dad's passing which deeply affected me. My second poem was a collaborative work with my 8-year old son and that was both fun and rewarding. The inspiration, when it hits you, is certainly cathartic and while I still don't feel I'm a "poet," I think I ultimately feel better about the creative writing part of this section of the course.
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