Nikki Giovanni |
Criticism
For all poets there are critics out there that like to analyse said poets' work to one, give their personal opinion on the writing and two, to allow a better understanding of the work to audience members.
William J. Harris wrote the criticism Sweet Soft Essence of Poetry: The Poetry of Nikki Giovanni that gives an overview of Giovanni's work as a whole and divides her subject matter into three distinct categories. Giovanni's first stage of writing was that of a black militant. Her poetry centered around the Civil Rights movement during the 1960's and early 1970's, which is what elevated her to a life of fame in the poetry world. Her second phase of poetry was that of a domestic lover who wrote of personal stories centered around seduction and love with a twist of humor. The final and ongoing stage of Giovanni's poetry is that of a disappointed lover brought down by the failed possibilities in life, specifically the possibility of love. However Harris is clear to note that throughout all three stages of poetry for Giovanni she has remained a strong individual, unafraid to break conventions.
Cynthia S. Becerra is yet another critic of Giovanni who offers a new insight into the poetry of this influential black women, and that is her style and rhythmic patterns. Becerra states that in Giovanni's early years of poetry she used universal imagery and simple, repetitive rhythm that was very accessible to all readers. However as Giovanni matured as a women, so did her poetry. This lead to more personal imagery about domestic life and family. All in all Giovanni's poetic style is one that breaks tradition, which fits perfectly with her individual spirit of freedom; something we have all come to know and love about her.
Annotated Bibliography
Fowler, Virginia C. "And This Poem Recognizes That: Embracing Contrarieties in the Poetry of Nikki Giovanni." Her Words: Diverse Voices in Contemporary Appalachian Women's Poetry, Felicia Mitchell, ed. (The University of Tennessee Press/Knoxville, 2002): pp. 112–35. Quoted as "And This Poem Recognizes That: Embracing Contrarieties in the Poetry of Nikki Giovanni" in Bloom, Harold ed.American Women Poets, New Edition, Bloom's Modern Critical Views. New York: Chelsea House Publishing, 2011. Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 13 Nov. 2014
This criticism, found on Blooms Literature site gives an in depth look into the various works of poet Nikki Giovanni. This criticism sets up the three stages of life and poetry for Giovanni and analyzes these separate stages based on historical and personal events. The criticism found from Blooms is a credible one simply because of the highly respected database it was found on; a site known for its legitimate and well researched information. I intend to use this criticism as a way to show how others have thoughtfully looked at and explored the works, style, and genre of Nikki Giovanni’s work.
Cynthia, Becerra S., and Dellinger Paul. "The Poetry of Nikki Giovanni."INFOhio. Salem Press, n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2014.
The criticism from INFOhio is an analysis of Nikki Giovanni’s poetry. This close analysis includes that of her rhythm and style, something not offered by many other critics. “The Poetry of Nikki Giovanni” is a credible source because it was found on a well respected, and thoroughly researched database. I plan to use this criticism on Ms. Giovanni’s work to take a closer look at the unique style that makes up Giovanni’s poetry.
William J. Harris wrote the criticism Sweet Soft Essence of Poetry: The Poetry of Nikki Giovanni that gives an overview of Giovanni's work as a whole and divides her subject matter into three distinct categories. Giovanni's first stage of writing was that of a black militant. Her poetry centered around the Civil Rights movement during the 1960's and early 1970's, which is what elevated her to a life of fame in the poetry world. Her second phase of poetry was that of a domestic lover who wrote of personal stories centered around seduction and love with a twist of humor. The final and ongoing stage of Giovanni's poetry is that of a disappointed lover brought down by the failed possibilities in life, specifically the possibility of love. However Harris is clear to note that throughout all three stages of poetry for Giovanni she has remained a strong individual, unafraid to break conventions.
Cynthia S. Becerra is yet another critic of Giovanni who offers a new insight into the poetry of this influential black women, and that is her style and rhythmic patterns. Becerra states that in Giovanni's early years of poetry she used universal imagery and simple, repetitive rhythm that was very accessible to all readers. However as Giovanni matured as a women, so did her poetry. This lead to more personal imagery about domestic life and family. All in all Giovanni's poetic style is one that breaks tradition, which fits perfectly with her individual spirit of freedom; something we have all come to know and love about her.
Annotated Bibliography
Fowler, Virginia C. "And This Poem Recognizes That: Embracing Contrarieties in the Poetry of Nikki Giovanni." Her Words: Diverse Voices in Contemporary Appalachian Women's Poetry, Felicia Mitchell, ed. (The University of Tennessee Press/Knoxville, 2002): pp. 112–35. Quoted as "And This Poem Recognizes That: Embracing Contrarieties in the Poetry of Nikki Giovanni" in Bloom, Harold ed.American Women Poets, New Edition, Bloom's Modern Critical Views. New York: Chelsea House Publishing, 2011. Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 13 Nov. 2014
This criticism, found on Blooms Literature site gives an in depth look into the various works of poet Nikki Giovanni. This criticism sets up the three stages of life and poetry for Giovanni and analyzes these separate stages based on historical and personal events. The criticism found from Blooms is a credible one simply because of the highly respected database it was found on; a site known for its legitimate and well researched information. I intend to use this criticism as a way to show how others have thoughtfully looked at and explored the works, style, and genre of Nikki Giovanni’s work.
Cynthia, Becerra S., and Dellinger Paul. "The Poetry of Nikki Giovanni."INFOhio. Salem Press, n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2014.
The criticism from INFOhio is an analysis of Nikki Giovanni’s poetry. This close analysis includes that of her rhythm and style, something not offered by many other critics. “The Poetry of Nikki Giovanni” is a credible source because it was found on a well respected, and thoroughly researched database. I plan to use this criticism on Ms. Giovanni’s work to take a closer look at the unique style that makes up Giovanni’s poetry.