A Poetics

This insightful work examines contemporary poetry and poststructuralist theory, blending criticism and poetic form in A Poetics.

In A Poetics, Charles Bernstein explores a diverse range of topics, styles, and polemics within the contemporary poetry scene. He tackles pressing issues related to poststructuralist literary theory, questioning the role of poetics in today's culture. Bernstein argues that the essence of poetics lies in dissent, manifesting not only through argument but also through form. His poetic language actively resists the tendency to conform to cultural conventions, making a compelling case for the importance of innovation in artistic expression.

This collection serves as more than just a significant work of criticism; it represents a poetic intervention in the realm of criticism itself. One of the standout essays, Artifice of Absorption, is crafted in verse, inviting readers into the intricate structures and rhythms that underpin Bernstein's arguments. He asserts, Poetics is the continuation of poetry by other means, emphasizing that dissent is crucial for a vibrant poetic practice.

Bernstein traces modern poetry's lineage back to influential figures like Stein and Wilde, challenging critics who perceive a decline in political and aesthetic relevance within the postmodern landscape. With a blend of playfulness and intensity, he engages in discussions surrounding cultural diversity and modernism's definition. In A Poetics, readers will encounter a rich tapestry of thought that combines criticism and poetry, ensuring that the journey through its pages is anything but dull.