Relationship of Poetry

The Relationship of Poetry

After the World Wars and inter-war period, poetry passed through many phases of metamorphosis. Because of the harsh periods humanity had to face, people turned their attention to poetry and art in general. Many understand and look at poetry as being fiction. This is probably because many poets include in their writings elements of fiction, or made up situations. The poets that represented the Realism or Naturalism used their imagination in their creations, but revealed real expressions of life or work. During World War I many poems were kept hidden, especially those from the1800’s. In that period, because of the life ordeals, poverty and starvation, people didn’t found ease in poetry. One famous poem from that period is “America” by Claude McKay. It becomes a loved poem that touched many American’s souls because it clearly shows all sides during the Harlem Renaissance, and Claude McKay revealed his passionate feelings both positively and negatively toward America. The trueness of his feelings is revealed in the lines: “Although she feeds me bread of bitterness, / And sinks into my throat her tiger's tooth, /Stealing my breath of life, I will confess / I love this cultured hell that tests my youth!”. It was a period of changes and transformations in America. In1921, when McKay wrote this poem, many cultural movements started. It was a delicate time for America, and the author showed his pessimistic views on its future. Second World War was underway by 1939 and ended in 1945, and it was a global war that involved a vast majority of the world's nations, with over 100 million people serving the army. Those harsh and painful periods

Were great sources of inspiration for many poets and writers, although their creations were not that popular in those times? The 20thcentury brought out many great writers and poets. My Sweet Old Etcetera by E.E. Cummings is a touching poem about a soldier that aches for his family. Prostrate on mud and with...