Loop By Rae Armantrout
Movement DescriptionThe Language school of poetry started in the 1970s as a response to traditional American poetry and forms. Language poetry’s purpose was to place complete emphasis on the language of the poem and to create a new way for the reader to interact with the work. Language poetry is also associated with leftist politics and was also affiliated with several literary magazines published in the 70s, including This and L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E. Language poetry seeks to involve the reader in the text. By breaking up poetic language, the poet is requiring the reader to find a new way to approach the text. Along with Silliman and Hejinian, other important poets involved with this movement include Charles Bernstein, Barrett Watten and Bob Perelman.
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Poem AnalysisThe poem “Loop” talks about how the poet is on his death bed but is writing his will. He talks how his elliptical loops read “Praise.” This is how he explains his that after his death he will be living in paradise. At the end he says “Word Deciphered at a snail’s pace.” This shows how he was hesitating on writing.
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Literary DevicesIn the poem “Loop” the poet uses the literary devices, Oxymoron and Metaphor. Oxymoron is used when the poet states, “I’m young in the old way.” The words young and old contradict each other making it an oxymoron. Metaphor is used when Rae states “word deciphered at a snail’s pace,” it compares the words without using like or as.
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