Richard Wilbur: 03-13-1969

Abstract

In an interview recorded March 13, 1969, Richard Wilbur discusses oratorical qualities in American poetry. Wilbur cites Allen Ginsberg's "Howl" and three political works of his own to compare, as interviewer Wiliam Heyen notes, "poles" of the spectrum of poetry at the time. Wilbur notes that increased public readings, topics of the time and trends towards strong poetic voice are noticeable, and pleasantly so.