Our Mellon Workshop on the theory and practice of lyric poetry includes three main chronological periods: classical antiquity (Greek and Roman), early modern Europe (French and English), and contemporary. The first two historical periods work well together in that the later poets openly acknowledged their ancient models. The contemporary period, represented by American and Japanese 20th/21st c. poetry, challenges many of our historical assumptions by their sometimes radically different forms and functions. Our goal is twofold: first, to explore the ways in which lyric modes are practiced, including questions of voice, performance, intertextuality, and social engagement; and second, to discuss a variety of theoretical approaches that can help us understand better the lyric impulse in all its varied manifestations. We hope to include in our discussions practicing poets in order to gain insight into contemporary questions of voice and perspective, and to see whether the term “lyric” remains a useful generic category.
