'The New Poetry Handbook' by Mark Strand

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1 If a man understands a poem,
he shall have troubles.

2 If a man lives with a poem,
he shall die lonely.

3 If a man lives with two poems,
he shall be unfaithful to one.

4 If a man conceives of a poem,
he shall have one less child.

5 If a man conceives of two poems,
he shall have two children less.

6 If a man wears a crown on his head as he writes,
he shall be found out.

7 If a man wears no crown on his head as he writes,
he shall deceive no one but himself.

8 If a man gets angry at a poem,
he shall be scorned by men.

9 If a man continues to be angry at a poem,
he shall be scorned by women.

10 If a man publicly denounces poetry,
his shoes will fill with urine.

11 If a man gives up poetry for power,
he shall have lots of power.

12 If a man brags about his poems,
he shall be loved by fools.

13 If a man brags about his poems and loves fools,
he shall write no more.

14 If a man craves attention because of his poems,
he shall be like a jackass in moonlight.

15 If a man writes a poem and praises the poem of a fellow,
he shall have a beautiful mistress.

16 If a man writes a poem and praises the poem of a fellow overly,
he shall drive his mistress away.

17 If a man claims the poem of another,
his heart shall double in size.

18 If a man lets his poems go naked,
he shall fear death.

19 If a man fears death,
he shall be saved by his poems.

20 If a man does not fear death,
he may or may not be saved by his poems.

21 If a man finishes a poem,
he shall bathe in the blank wake of his passion
and be kissed by white paper.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The New Poetry Handbook: A Masterpiece of Literary Criticism

Have you ever read a poem and felt completely lost, unsure of what the author was trying to say or how to even begin interpreting the work? If so, then Mark Strand's The New Poetry Handbook is the book for you.

At just over 100 pages, The New Poetry Handbook is a concise yet comprehensive guide to understanding and appreciating modern poetry. Written in Strand's trademark clear and direct style, the book covers everything from basic poetic forms to complex literary devices, all while encouraging readers to develop their own unique approach to poetry.

One of the most striking features of The New Poetry Handbook is Strand's emphasis on the importance of sound in poetry. He writes, "The music of a poem is the ultimate test of its worth." This focus on rhythm and cadence is evident throughout the book, as Strand provides numerous examples of how poets use sound to elevate their work.

For example, in a section on metaphor, Strand analyzes a line from Wallace Stevens' "The Emperor of Ice Cream": "Let be be finale of seem." He notes how the repetition of the "b" sound gives the line a sense of finality, while the juxtaposition of "be" and "seem" creates a tension that reflects the poem's larger themes.

Throughout The New Poetry Handbook, Strand also stresses the importance of imagery and symbolism in poetry. He encourages readers to pay close attention to the words poets choose and to consider the various connotations and associations they may have.

One particularly memorable example comes from Strand's analysis of William Carlos Williams' "The Red Wheelbarrow." He notes how the image of the wheelbarrow "glazed with rain / water" can be read as a symbol of resilience and endurance in the face of hardship. By paying attention to such details, readers can uncover deeper layers of meaning in even the simplest of poems.

But perhaps the most valuable aspect of The New Poetry Handbook is Strand's approach to interpretation. Rather than providing a set of rules or formulas for "correctly" reading poetry, he instead encourages readers to trust their own instincts and to approach each poem with an open mind.

He writes, "The poem is the only thing that matters. Not the poet or the reader, but the poem itself." This emphasis on the poem as an independent entity, separate from both its author and its audience, is a refreshing departure from more traditional modes of literary criticism.

In the final section of the book, Strand provides a series of writing exercises designed to help readers develop their own poetic voice. He encourages experimentation and risk-taking, urging aspiring poets to "write the poem that only you can write."

This focus on individuality and creativity is perhaps the most inspiring aspect of The New Poetry Handbook. By emphasizing the importance of personal expression and the unique perspective each reader brings to a poem, Strand encourages us all to see poetry not as a stuffy academic exercise, but as a vibrant and essential part of our lives.

In short, The New Poetry Handbook is a masterful work of literary criticism and interpretation. Through his clear and engaging prose, Mark Strand offers readers a comprehensive guide to understanding and appreciating modern poetry, while also inspiring us to develop our own poetic voice. Whether you're a seasoned poet or a curious novice, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the power and potential of language.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The New Poetry Handbook: A Masterpiece of Poetic Criticism

Mark Strand's The New Poetry Handbook is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a masterpiece of poetic criticism that has been studied and analyzed by scholars and poets alike. The poem is a witty and insightful commentary on the state of contemporary poetry and the challenges that poets face in creating new and innovative work.

The poem is structured as a series of instructions for poets on how to write "new" poetry. Strand begins by mocking the traditional rules of poetry, such as rhyme and meter, and encourages poets to break free from these constraints. He writes, "Forget the meter. Forget the rhyme. / Dismiss the metrics of the past." This is a bold statement that challenges the very foundations of traditional poetry.

Strand then goes on to offer advice on how to create new and innovative poetry. He encourages poets to experiment with language and form, to take risks, and to be bold in their writing. He writes, "Be reckless with words. Be bold. / Be daring. Be anything but old." This is a call to action for poets to push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in poetry.

One of the most striking aspects of The New Poetry Handbook is Strand's use of humor and irony. He pokes fun at the pretentiousness of some poets and the academic world of poetry. He writes, "Avoid the reeking herd, / Shun the polluted flock, / Live like that stoic bird, / The eagle of the rock." This is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the elitism that can sometimes be found in the world of poetry.

Strand also offers a critique of the commercialization of poetry. He writes, "Do not write what your readers expect, / The lines that they have loved before." This is a warning to poets not to pander to their audience or to write what is popular or trendy. Instead, he encourages poets to write from their own unique perspective and to be true to their own voice.

Another important theme in The New Poetry Handbook is the idea of authenticity. Strand encourages poets to be true to themselves and to write from their own experiences. He writes, "Write what you see, what you feel, / What you think, what you know, / Write what is real, / Write from the marrowbone." This is a powerful message that emphasizes the importance of honesty and authenticity in poetry.

Overall, The New Poetry Handbook is a brilliant and insightful poem that offers a fresh perspective on the art of poetry. Strand's use of humor and irony, combined with his bold and daring advice, make this poem a must-read for anyone interested in poetry. It is a call to action for poets to break free from tradition, to experiment with language and form, and to be true to themselves. As Strand writes, "Be new. Be different. Be daring. / Be anything you want to be. / Just as long as it's good."

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