Modernist Poets Midterm Study Guide

What are some key works of H.D. (Hilda Doolittle)?

"Oread", "Sea Rose", "Helen".

What themes are prevalent in H.D.'s poetry?

Feminine identity, mythology, nature, fragmentation, rebirth.

What is the style of H.D.'s poetry?

Imagism, sparse language, classical allusions, psychological depth.

What are some key works of Mina Loy?

Poetry: "Songs to Joannes", "Love Songs"; Prose: "Feminist Manifesto".

What themes are explored in Mina Loy's works?

Gender, sexuality, radical feminism, critique of tradition.

What is the style of Mina Loy's poetry?

Disruptive syntax, Dada/Futurist influence, irony, abstraction.

What are some key poems by William Carlos Williams?

"The Red Wheelbarrow", "This Is Just to Say", "Spring and All".

What themes are central to William Carlos Williams' poetry?

American identity, everyday life, language and perception.

What is the style of William Carlos Williams' poetry?

Objectivism, enjambment, colloquial language, visual spacing.

What are some key poems by Robert Frost?

"Mending Wall", "Birches", "The Road Not Taken", "Design".

What themes are present in Robert Frost's poetry?

Nature, doubt, choice, existential tension.

What is the style of Robert Frost's poetry?

Traditional form, conversational diction, philosophical symbolism.

What is Gertrude Stein known for in her work "Tender Buttons"?

Language experimentation, Cubism, repetition.

What are some key works of E.E. Cummings?

"Buffalo Bill's", "in Just-".

What themes are associated with E.E. Cummings' poetry?

Individualism, playfulness, visual form.

What are some key poems by Wallace Stevens (Early)?

"Sunday Morning", "Anecdote of the Jar", "The Emperor of Ice-Cream".

What themes are explored in Wallace Stevens' early poetry?

Art vs. religion, sensory perception, imagination.

What is the style of Wallace Stevens' early poetry?

Dense language, lush imagery, abstraction.

What are some key poems by Wallace Stevens (Middle)?

"The Idea of Order at Key West", "Of Modern Poetry".

What themes are central to Wallace Stevens' middle poetry?

Modern role of the poet, order/chaos, creation.

What is the style of Wallace Stevens' middle poetry?

Metapoetry, symbolism, abstract language.

What themes are present in Wallace Stevens' late poetry?

Imagination, perception, mortality.

What does Wallace Stevens suggest about poetry in "Notes toward a Supreme Fiction"?

Poetry must be abstract, change, and give pleasure.

What themes are explored in Wallace Stevens' final works?

Imagination as salvation, poetic insight, final reflections.

What are some tips for the midterm on Modernist poets?

Know each poet's unique style and themes, compare and contrast their approaches to Modernism, understand how their prose supports their poetic theories, and analyze form and content together in your responses.