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The Essential Wallace Stevens: A Journey Through Modern Poetry

Doug Price

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Selected Poems of Wallace Stevens

by Wallace Stevens

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	530 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	353 pages

Portrait Of Wallace Stevens, A Serious Looking Man With Glasses And A Mustache Selected Poems Of Wallace Stevens

Wallace Stevens, one of the most significant and influential poets of the 20th century, left an enduring legacy of thought-provoking and enigmatic verse. His poetry explores the complexities of language, the nature of reality, and the human condition with remarkable depth and insight. This comprehensive collection of selected poems provides a gateway into Stevens's extraordinary world, allowing readers to engage with his profound and often challenging work.

Unveiling the Depths of Language

Stevens's poetry is characterized by its intricate use of language and its exploration of its inherent power and limitations. He believed that words have the capacity to both reveal and conceal, to create and destroy. In his poem "The Emperor of Ice-Cream," he writes:

Call the roller of big cigars, The muscular one, and bid him whip In kitchen cups concupiscent curds. Let the wenches dawdle in such dress As they are used to wear, and let the boys Bring flowers in last month's newspapers.

Through his vivid imagery and unexpected juxtapositions, Stevens probes the boundaries of language, questioning its ability to fully capture the world we perceive. His work challenges readers to think critically about the nature of communication and the ways in which we construct meaning.

Questioning the Nature of Reality

Stevens's poetry delves into the philosophical underpinnings of reality, exploring the relationship between the subjective and objective. He posits that our understanding of the world is shaped by our perceptions and experiences, rather than being an absolute truth. In his poem "The Snowman," he writes:

One must have a mind of winter To regard the frost and the boughs Of the pine-trees crusted with snow;

Here, Stevens suggests that our perception of winter is influenced by our emotional state and personal experiences. He invites readers to question the nature of reality and to consider the role of the observer in shaping their understanding of the world.

Exploring the Human Condition

Throughout his work, Stevens examines the human condition with empathy and insight. He explores the complexities of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life. In his poem "Sunday Morning," he writes:

Complacencies of the peignoir, and late Coffee and oranges in a sunny chair, And the green freedom of a cockatoo Upon a rug mingle to make a sheen ...

In this poem, Stevens captures the bittersweet nature of ordinary life, finding both beauty and a sense of longing in the everyday moments. His poetry invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and to find solace and understanding in the shared human condition.

A Journey into the Heart of Modern Poetry

"Selected Poems of Wallace Stevens" is an essential companion for anyone interested in modern poetry and the work of one of its most celebrated practitioners. This collection showcases Stevens's mastery of language, his philosophical depth, and his profound understanding of the human condition. Through these carefully curated poems, readers will embark on a journey into the enigmatic and thought-provoking world of one of the greatest poets of all time.

Buy the Book Now!

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary poetry of Wallace Stevens. Free Download your copy of "Selected Poems of Wallace Stevens" today and embark on a journey that will challenge your perspectives, ignite your imagination, and leave a lasting impression.

About the Author

Wallace Stevens (1879-1955) was an American poet known for his complex and enigmatic work. He explored the nature of language, reality, and the human condition through his innovative use of imagery, symbolism, and philosophical inquiry. Stevens's poetry has had a profound influence on modern and contemporary literature, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important poets of the 20th century.

Selected Poems of Wallace Stevens

by Wallace Stevens

4.7 out of 5