The Redshifting Web: New Selected Poems by Charles Wright

The Redshifting Web: New & Selected Poems

by Arthur Sze

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	883 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	267 pages

FREE

Charles Wright's 'The Redshifting Web: New Selected Poems' is a profound and evocative collection of poetry that spans the esteemed author's career. Comprising a diverse selection of his works, this volume invites readers to delve into the intricate depths of the human experience, as seen through the lens of Wright's masterful craftsmanship and lyrical prowess.

Themes and Motifs

'The Redshifting Web' is a tapestry woven with profound themes that resonate with the complexities of our existence. One dominant thread is the passage of time, as Wright explores the fleeting nature of life and the inevitable march of time. In "The Gathering Place," he writes:

The years have fallen away like leaves from a tree,

And I am left with the bare branches of memory.

The friends I have loved are scattered like dust,

And the places we shared are now only echoes.

Alongside time, memory and loss emerge as recurring motifs. Wright's poems often evoke a sense of longing for the past and a poignant awareness of the ephemeral nature of human connection. In "Aubade," he laments:

The night has turned into a morning of mist,

And the birds are singing in the trees.

But I am alone in my room, thinking of you,

And the memory of your laughter haunts me like a ghost.

However, 'The Redshifting Web' is not merely a collection of elegies. Amidst the themes of loss and transience, there are also glimmers of hope and resilience. In "The Promise," Wright writes:

I will keep my promise to you,

Even though the years have passed

And the world has changed.

I will keep my promise to you,

Even though I know that I will die

And that you will be gone.

Imagery and Language

Wright's poetry is renowned for its vivid imagery and evocative use of language. He masterfully weaves together sensory details to create a rich and immersive experience for the reader. In "The House on Marshland," he describes:

The house on marshland stood alone,

Its windows boarded up, its paint peeling.

The grass around it was tall and overgrown,

And the trees were bare and twisted.

Through his precise and evocative language, Wright transforms everyday objects and scenes into symbols of deeper meanings. In "The Lesson," he writes:

The book lies open on the table,

Its pages filled with words.

The lamp casts a warm glow over the room,

And the curtains billow in the breeze.

The simple act of reading becomes a metaphor for the process of self-discovery and the pursuit of knowledge.

Literary Significance

'The Redshifting Web: New Selected Poems' is a significant contribution to contemporary American poetry. Wright's work has been widely acclaimed for its depth, originality, and lyrical beauty. He has received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the National Book Critics Circle Award.

Wright's poetry transcends the boundaries of genre, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including philosophy, science, and mythology. In 'The Redshifting Web,' he explores the interplay between the physical world and the human imagination, delving into the mysteries of the cosmos and the complexities of the human psyche.

Charles Wright's 'The Redshifting Web: New Selected Poems' is a profound and moving collection that offers a unique perspective on the human condition. Through his masterful use of imagery, language, and theme, Wright invites readers to contemplate the passage of time, the nature of memory, and the enduring power of hope. As an essential addition to any poetry lover's library, 'The Redshifting Web' solidifies Wright's legacy as one of the most significant poets of our time.

The Redshifting Web: New & Selected Poems

by Arthur Sze

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	883 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	267 pages

FREE