Theses and Dissertations

Author

Sam Kealhofer

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Pierce, Catherine

Committee Member

Kardos, Michael P.

Date of Degree

5-1-2020

Original embargo terms

Visible to MSU only for 2 years

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

English

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of English

Department

Department of English

Abstract

In this thesis, I observe the methods modern American poets employ to achieve literary activism in their work. Poets Amiee Nezhukumatathil, Marcus Wicker, and Tracy K. Smith all examine and critique different aspects of American life and culture. Ultimately, I argue that each poet, in their own way, develops a voice that deftly straddles between the personal and public. By doing so, the poets invigorate their work with an authenticity that is crucial in developing an ethos vivacious enough to create a call to action for readers. I will also discuss how I create a similar balance of the personal and public in my own work in order to stir readers into an activist mindset.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/16964

Comments

Literary Activism||Activism||Poetry||Protest

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