'Nuremberg, U.S.A.' by Bill Knott

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In this time and place, where "Bread and Circuses" has
become "Bread and Atrocities," to say 'I love you' is
like saying the latest propaganda phrase...'defoliation'...
'low yield blast'.
If bombing children is preserving peace, then
my fucking you is a war-crime.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Nuremberg, U.S.A.: A Masterpiece of Poetry

Are you a fan of poetry that can make your heart race, your mind ponder, and your soul feel alive? Do you crave for words that can transport you to another world, another time, and another dimension? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you must read Poetry, Nuremberg, U.S.A. by Bill Knott, one of the greatest poets of our time.

This literary masterpiece is a collection of poems that celebrate and critique the American way of life, from its politics to its pop culture, from its history to its present. Knott's poems are not only deeply personal and emotional, but also politically charged and socially relevant. He writes with a voice that is both passionate and intellectual, witty and serious, imaginative and realistic.

The collection opens with the title poem, "Poetry, Nuremberg, U.S.A.," a powerful piece that sets the tone for the rest of the book. In this poem, Knott compares the American poetry scene to the Nazi rallies held in Nuremberg during the 1930s. He critiques the way poets in America are often celebrated for their conformity to the mainstream, rather than for their originality and creativity. He writes:

But isn't this what poetry
Is for in America, to lead us
To "unity" and "harmony," so we
Don't have to think for ourselves?

The poem goes on to suggest that true poetry must challenge the status quo, must be subversive and revolutionary, must be the voice of the marginalized and the oppressed. Knott's use of metaphor and imagery is masterful in this poem, as he paints a vivid picture of the dark side of American poetry.

Another standout poem in the collection is "The Nature Poet," in which Knott satirizes the romanticized view of nature often found in American poetry. He pokes fun at the idea of the "noble savage" and the "untouched wilderness," suggesting that these are nothing but myths perpetuated by those who have never truly experienced the harsh realities of nature. He writes:

The nature poet
Sits at his desk
In a heated room
With a cup of tea
And writes about 
The beauty of the forest
As if he's ever been there
In the dead of winter
When the trees are bare
And the animals are starving.

Knott's critique of the nature poet is not only humorous, but also thought-provoking. He points out the hypocrisy of those who claim to love nature, but are unwilling to experience its harshness and brutality.

Another notable poem in the collection is "The War Poem," in which Knott reflects on the horrors of war and the way in which it is romanticized and glorified in poetry. He writes:

The war poem
Is not about the war
It's about the poet
And his heroic deeds
And the bravery of his comrades
And the glory of the battle.

Knott's use of irony in this poem is poignant, as he exposes the self-centered nature of war poetry. He suggests that true war poetry must focus on the victims of war, rather than the supposed heroes.

Overall, Poetry, Nuremberg, U.S.A. is a stunning collection of poems that challenges the status quo and demands that poetry be more than just entertainment. Knott's use of language is masterful, his imagery is vivid, his wit is sharp, and his voice is powerful. He proves that poetry can be both personal and political, both emotional and intellectual, both imaginative and realistic. This is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry that is not afraid to push boundaries and challenge the norm.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Nuremberg, U.S.A.: A Masterpiece of Irony and Satire

Bill Knott's Poetry Nuremberg, U.S.A. is a masterpiece of irony and satire that takes aim at the commercialization and commodification of poetry in America. Written in 1969, the poem is a scathing critique of the poetry industry and the ways in which poets are forced to sell themselves and their work in order to survive.

The poem is divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the poetry industry. The first section, "The Poet's Corner," is a parody of the poetry section in a newspaper. Knott uses the language and style of a typical poetry column to highlight the absurdity of the poetry industry. He writes:

"Here in the Poet's Corner We offer you a chance To read the latest sonnets And see the newest dance."

The language is flowery and grandiose, but the content is banal and uninspired. Knott is mocking the way in which poetry is marketed as a commodity, something that can be bought and sold like any other product.

The second section, "The Poetry Reading," is a satire of the poetry reading circuit. Knott describes a typical reading, complete with a bored audience and a pretentious poet. He writes:

"The poet reads his poems In a voice that's soft and low The audience sits in silence Not sure where they should go."

Knott is poking fun at the self-importance of poets and the way in which they often perform their work in a way that is inaccessible to the average person. He is also highlighting the fact that poetry readings are often more about the poet's ego than the poetry itself.

The final section, "The Poetry Factory," is a critique of the publishing industry. Knott describes a factory where poems are produced on an assembly line, with editors and publishers dictating what is and isn't acceptable. He writes:

"The poems come down the line Each one just like the last The editors stand in a row Judging what will pass."

Knott is highlighting the way in which the publishing industry has turned poetry into a commodity, with editors and publishers dictating what is and isn't acceptable based on marketability rather than artistic merit.

Throughout the poem, Knott uses irony and satire to expose the absurdity of the poetry industry. He is highlighting the fact that poetry has become a commodity, something that can be bought and sold like any other product. He is also critiquing the way in which poets are forced to sell themselves and their work in order to survive.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language. Knott's language is often flowery and grandiose, but the content is banal and uninspired. This contrast between language and content is a deliberate choice on Knott's part, as he is highlighting the way in which poetry has become a hollow shell of itself, a product to be marketed and sold rather than a form of artistic expression.

Another striking aspect of the poem is its use of imagery. Knott uses vivid and often grotesque imagery to highlight the absurdity of the poetry industry. For example, in the final section of the poem, he describes the poetry factory as a place where "the poems come down the line" like products on an assembly line. This image is both disturbing and powerful, as it highlights the way in which poetry has become a mass-produced commodity.

Overall, Poetry Nuremberg, U.S.A. is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that exposes the absurdity of the poetry industry. Knott's use of irony, satire, language, and imagery all work together to create a powerful critique of the way in which poetry has become a commodity. This poem is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art and commerce, and it remains as relevant today as it was when it was first written over 50 years ago.

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