First published 2020
Smith opens her scholarly examination with the tension between established poetic traditions and contemporary American verse. She argues that canonical poetry continues to shape modern literary expression, even as poets grapple with shifting definitions of the American Dream. The book traces how classical forms influence current writers who must navigate between reverence for tradition and the need for fresh artistic voice. Smith demonstrates that this creative conflict drives much of today's most compelling poetry. Her analysis reveals how poets use inherited structures to explore contemporary themes of aspiration, disillusionment, and cultural identity. The work concludes that understanding canonical foundations helps readers appreciate why modern poets both embrace and rebel against literary heritage.
Genres: american, poetry, academic
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: conflict, tradition-vs-innovation
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
186 pages · Paperback · Independently published