Powerpoint #2: Imagism

ØImagists: A group of American and English poets whose poetic program was formulated about 1912 by Ezra Pound--in conjunction with fellow poets Hilda Doolittle (H.D.), Richard Aldington, and F.S. Flint--and was inspired by the critical views of T.E. Hulme, in revolt against the careless thinking and Romantic optimism he saw prevailing.

ØThe Imagists wrote succinct verse of dry clarity and hard outline in which an exact visual image made a total poetic statement. 

From Pound’s Imagist Manifesto

Ø1.      To use the language of common speech, but to employ the exact word, not the nearly-exact, nor the merely decorative word.

Ø2.      We believe that the individuality of a poet may often be better expressed in free verse than in conventional forms. In poetry, a new cadence means a new idea.

Ø3.      Absolute freedom in the choice of subject.

Ø4.      To present an image. We are not a school of painters, but we believe that poetry should render particulars exactly and not deal in vague generalities, however magnificent and sonorous. It is for this reason that we oppose the cosmic poet, who seems to us to shirk the real difficulties of his art.

Ø5.      To produce a poetry that is hard and clear, never blurred nor indefinite. 

 Ø6.      Concentration is of the very essence of poetry.

Ø7.   No ideas but in things.