Rue American Poets Continuum 176: A Comprehensive Guide to the Experimental Poetry Movement

Origins and Context

The Rue American Poets Continuum 176 emerged in the mid-20th century as part of a broader shift towards experimentalism in American poetry. Post-World War II, poets began to question traditional forms and structures, seeking new ways to express their experiences and ideas.

Rue (American Poets Continuum Book 176)

by Kathryn Nuernberger

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1771 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	104 pages
Paperback	:	128 pages
Item Weight	:	11.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.09 x 1.24 x 6.18 inches
Hardcover	:	656 pages
Mass Market Paperback	:	272 pages
Lexile measure	:	1100L

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Rue American Poets Continuum 176 was founded in 1951 by Charles Olson, Robert Creeley, and Denise Levertov. The name "Rue" refers to the street address of Olson's apartment in New York City, where the group frequently met. Later members included Edward Dorn, Paul Blackburn, and Robert Duncan.

Key Figures

Charles Olson, a towering figure in American poetry, is considered the father of the "Projectivist" movement. His work emphasized the importance of open form, spontaneity, and the use of real language.

Robert Creeley continued Olson's exploration of open form and language experiment. His poems are characterized by their short lines, conversational tone, and intense focus on the immediate moment.

Denise Levertov brought a lyrical and personal perspective to the movement. Her work explores themes of love, loss, and social justice in a direct and accessible language.

Poetic Principles

Rue American Poets Continuum 176 poets shared several key principles:

• Rejection of Formal Constraints: They abandoned traditional forms and structures, such as sonnets and meters, in favor of unstructured and open-ended compositions.
• Emphasis on Language Experiment: They explored the expressive possibilities of language itself, experimenting with grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.
• Focus on the Present Moment: Their poems often captured the immediacy and intensity of the present experience, using fragmented language and disconnected images.
• Emphasis on Process: The act of writing was as important as the final product, allowing poets to explore the creative process in real time.

Influences and Impact

Rue American Poets Continuum 176 drew inspiration from various sources, including:

• Objectivist Movement, which emphasized the use of clear, objective language to depict the world.
• William Carlos Williams, a poet who explored the possibilities of free verse and everyday speech.
• French Surrealism, with its focus on the subconscious and the irrational.

The movement had a profound impact on contemporary poetry, influencing subsequent generations of writers such as:

• Allen Ginsberg, a member of the Beat Generation
• Anne Sexton, a confessional poet
• John Ashbery, a postmodern poet

Legacy

Rue American Poets Continuum 176 remains a significant movement in American poetry, leaving a lasting legacy:

• Expansion of Poetic Boundaries: It pushed the limits of what was considered acceptable in poetry, expanding the range of forms, language, and subject matter.
• Emphasis on Experimentation: It encouraged poets to experiment with different approaches to language and structure, fostering innovation and exploration.
• Influence on Contemporary Poetry: Its principles and techniques continue to influence contemporary poets, shaping the landscape of 21st-century American poetry.