Robert Duncan

Robert Duncan was an American poet associated with the San Francisco Renaissance, Black Mountain College, and the New American Poetry. His work pushed against established poetic conventions of his time, favoring open forms and embracing a wide range of sources including mythology, alchemy, and dreams. He rejected strict boundaries between different creative disciplines, believing poetry should be a multifaceted exploration of language and the subconscious.
Duncan's poetry is characterized by its dense imagery, allusions, and experimentation with form and syntax. He often employed a technique of "leaping" from one seemingly disparate idea to another, creating a collage-like effect that mirrored his belief in the interconnectedness of all things. This non-linear approach challenged readers to actively engage with the text and forge their own connections.
His contemporaries included poets like Charles Olson, Robert Creeley, and Denise Levertov, who shared his interest in free verse, personal expression, and the possibilities of open form. Duncan's work continues to be relevant today for its formal innovation and its exploration of themes such as personal identity, sexuality, and the role of the poet in society.
Duncan's poetry is characterized by its dense imagery, allusions, and experimentation with form and syntax. He often employed a technique of "leaping" from one seemingly disparate idea to another, creating a collage-like effect that mirrored his belief in the interconnectedness of all things. This non-linear approach challenged readers to actively engage with the text and forge their own connections.
His contemporaries included poets like Charles Olson, Robert Creeley, and Denise Levertov, who shared his interest in free verse, personal expression, and the possibilities of open form. Duncan's work continues to be relevant today for its formal innovation and its exploration of themes such as personal identity, sexuality, and the role of the poet in society.
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