New Formalism in poetry is a literary movement that emerged as a reaction to Free Verse and Confessional Poetry, advocating for a return to traditional forms such as meter, rhyme, and structured stanzas. It gained prominence with poets like Lewis Turco and through publications like 'The Reaper.' Despite criticism, it has become more accepted, with poets like Dana Gioia and A. E. Stallings exemplifying its principles.
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New Formalism began to take shape in the latter half of the 20th century as a reaction against dominant free verse and confessional poetry
Lewis Turco and "The Book of Forms"
Poet Lewis Turco's "The Book of Forms" and other publications by poets like Robert B. Shaw and Charles Martin helped establish New Formalism in the late 1960s and early 1970s
"The Reaper" magazine
The founding of "The Reaper" magazine in 1980 by Mark Jarman and Robert McDowell helped increase the prominence of New Formalism within the literary community
Despite initial criticism, New Formalism has become more accepted in the mainstream literary scene of the 21st century, with numerous contemporary poets continuing to write within this formalist tradition
New Formalist poetry is distinguished by its commitment to structured meter, rhyme, and stanzaic patterns, with careful attention paid to both content and form
Metaphor, enjambment, allusions, and sound techniques
New Formalists utilize literary devices such as metaphor, enjambment, allusions, and sound techniques within a structured poetic framework
Narrative construction
New Formalists often favor narrative over lyrical free verse, using literary devices to construct a clear beginning, conflict, and resolution
Poems such as Dana Gioia's "Pity the Beautiful" and Brad Leithauser's "A Vase" exemplify the New Formalist approach through their use of rhyme schemes and enjambment
Some critics argue that New Formalism's focus on traditional forms may marginalize minority writers and audiences
Empowering minority voices
New Formalist poets such as Annie Finch and Julia Alvarez argue that the movement can empower minority voices to reclaim language and articulate their distinct experiences
Exploring diverse themes and experiences
Poets like Finch and Alvarez address feminist, spiritual, and cultural themes in their New Formalist poetry, challenging the notion that the movement is inherently conservative or exclusionary
Poets such as Dana Gioia, X.J. Kennedy, Brad Leithauser, Marilyn Hacker, A. E. Stallings, and Leo Yankevich have significantly shaped New Formalism through their contributions to the movement
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New Formalism is a literary movement that started in the ______ half of the 20th century, promoting a revival of ______ poetic forms.
latter
traditional
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Founders of 'The Reaper'
Mark Jarman and Robert McDowell founded 'The Reaper' to promote formal poetry.
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Initial reception of New Formalism
New Formalism faced criticism but persisted and gained acceptance over time.
