Garrett Geissel
Staff Writer
CSUB students and aspiring writers had the opportunity to hear a reading by Rae Armantrout, a Pulitzer Prize winning poet, on April 11 in the Dezember Reading Room in the Walter Stiern Library. Armantrout was well received by an audience that nearly filled the room.
According to the Academy of American Poets, Armantrout’s work “has been praised for syntax that borders on everyday speech while grappling with questions of deception and distortion in both language and consciousness.”
Armantrout began by reading selected poems from her newly published book of poetry, “Just Saying”, and poems that are being revised for publication. Armantrout’s reading was very personal and inviting to the audience, but her poetry was both enigmatic and wildly entertaining.
“I’m interested in anything that asks the big questions,” said Armantrout. When asked about her style of poetry, she also added, “I like to read scientific articles.”
Her scientific knowledge was highlighted by the diction she used in a number of her poems, exemplifying her desire to delve into complex and difficult topics. However, not all of Armantrout’s poems had a serious theme to them.
A playful poem that caught the audience’s attention and had them laughing was one that pertained to the lovable character Flo, as seen in the Progressive commercials. Armantrout’s balance of contemplative and comedic poetry helped engage the audience in the reading while keeping them entertained.
“It probably takes either courage or foolishness,” jokingly said Armantrout when asked about choosing to write poetry for a career.
Armantrout gave credit to the renowned poets William Carlos Williams and Emily Dickinson for greatly influencing her work and style of writing. Being a California native, Armantrout also highlighted the significance of San Diego in her writing.
She said, “Plants that grow in San Diego appear” in her poetry. She added that “the landscape [of California also]appears” as much of what she sees or interacts with is somehow encapsulated into her poetry.
The selection of Armantrout for the reading at CSUB was a consummate reading of poetry that allowed students to further connect with literature.
Dr. Marit MacArthur, an associate professor of English, said of Armantrout, “I think she presents a challenging, rigorous approach to language in an accessible, humorous and really lyrical style, and her concerns are very contemporary.”
These contemporary concerns and concepts are what draw current students to her poetry, as students can have a deeper connection with the writing if the overall theme interests or pertains to them.
After the reading, Robyn Rowley, a 28-year-old English major, said, “I liked it. It was a fun reading, and she was really fun to listen to.” She also added, “I think it’s cool that the school is able to bring in a Pulitzer Prize winning poet.”
If you have not heard of or read Rae Armantrout’s poetry, pick up a copy of her newly released book of poetry, “Just Saying”, and explore the world of her contemporary writing.
