Demeter's Last Stand, by Joanne Diaz and an interview with Mike Theune

Summary

In this episode of The Poetic Turn, hosts Darren and Evan engage with Professor Mike Theune to explore the concept of the poetic turn, particularly through the lens of the poem 'Demeter's Last Stand' by Joanne Diaz. They discuss the significance of the turn in poetry, its structural and emotional implications, and how it enhances reader engagement. The conversation delves into the myth of Demeter and Persephone, the mechanics of poetic turns, and recommendations for discovering impactful poetry.

Read "Demeter's Last Stand" here (scroll down)

Takeaways

• The poetic turn is a significant shift in a poem's trajectory.
• Understanding the turn can enhance reader engagement with poetry.
• The volta is a crucial element in sonnets and other poetic forms.
• Poetic turns can be both structural and emotional.
• The turn often delivers a fitting surprise that resonates with the reader.
• Analyzing the turn can reveal deeper meanings in poetry.
• The myth of Demeter and Persephone illustrates themes of loss and protection.
• Great poetry often features turns that surprise and engage the reader.
• Finding great poems involves exploring various poets and their works.
• The poetic turn can transform a simple narrative into a profound emotional experience.

Mike Theune's website, with much more about the poetic turn or volta: https://structureandsurprise.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Poetic Turn

01:10 Understanding the Poetic Turn

03:35 Defining the Poetic Turn

08:17 The Role of the Turn in Poetry

12:24 Exploring John Ciardi's Insights

16:10 The Structure of Poetry and Surprise

18:21 Reading 'Demeter's Last Stand'

23:24 Analyzing the Myth of Demeter and Persephone

25:25 The Nuances of the Poetic Turn

27:57 The Shift to Lyrical Mode

29:13 Eternal Gratitude and Personal Reflection

31:02 Fitting Surprise in Poetry

34:04 The Poetic Turn: Crafting Meaning

37:10 Exploring the Heart of Analysis

39:50 Celebrating Poetic Voices

48:20 The Power of Gratitude in Poetry

49:33 Finding Great Poems

Keywords

poetry, poetic turn, volta, Demeter's Last Stand, literary analysis, poetry education, reader engagement, poetic structure, surprise in poetry, contemporary poetry

Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com

Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com

Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art