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The Vernacular Strain in Newfoundland Poetry

The Vernacular Strain in Newfoundland Poetry

The Vernacular Strain in Newfoundland Poetry explores some of the tensions between the oral and the written in the poetry of Newfoundland, with particular emphasis on the struggle towards a confident incorporation of vernacular speech in the poetry of the island in the latter part of the twentieth century. As the word “strain” suggests, there were reservations and hesitancies about drawing on what is a hugely rich linguistic and sonic resource for poetry, one of many vitiating results of a colonial legacy. This Pratt Lecture celebrates the vitality of poetry which lets in Newfoundland idioms and cadences. Among the poets considered are Percy Janes, Tom Dawe, Al Pittman, David Glover, John Steffler and Harold Paddock, and the generation who followed them: Agnes Walsh, Gordon Rodgers, Carmelita McGrath, Michael Crummey, Robin McGrath.

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St. John's, Newfoundland

average rating is 4 out of 5

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Enlightening and educational

The Vernacular Strain in Newfoundland Poetry by Mary Dalton was an enlightening read. It explores the relationship between oral and written language in Newfoundland poetry with a focus on the incorporation of vernacular speech in the latter portion of the 20th century. It was, admittedly, a subject I knew next to nothing about beforehand, but I had no trouble following along due to the strength and clarity of Dalton's lecture. I found it very educational and it gave me a lot to think about - both at large and in regards to my own work. If you're interested in examining the relationship between art and culture, especially in Newfoundland, I highly recommend checking this out.

I recommend this book.

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