Nobody really knows whether they are a poet. I knew I was interested from the age of 15. James Fenton ageinterestknow Change image and share on social
At somewhere around 10 syllables, the English poetic line is at its most relaxed and manageable. James Fenton englishlinemanageable Change image and share on social
Hearing that the same men who brought us 'South Park' were mounting a musical to be called 'The Book of Mormon,' we were tempted to turn away, as from an inevitable massacre. James Fenton bookbringcall Change image and share on social
Free verse seemed democratic because it offered freedom of access to writers. And those who disdained free verse would always be open to accusations of elitism, mandarinism. Open form was like common ground on which all might graze their cattle - it was not to be closed in by usurping landlords. James Fenton accessaccusationcattle share on social
Great poetry does not have to be technically intricate. James Fenton greatintricatepoetry Change image and share on social
Working alone on a poem, a poet is of all artists the most free. The poem can be written with a modicum of technology, and can be published, in most cases, quite cheaply. James Fenton artistcasecheaply Change image and share on social
Metrics are not a device for restraining the mad, any more than 'open form' or free verse is a prairie where a man can do all kinds of manly things in a state of wholesome unrestrictedness. James Fenton deviceformfree Change image and share on social
In song the same rule applies as in dramatic verse: the meaning must yield itself, or yield itself sufficiently to arouse the attention and interest, in real time. James Fenton applyarouseattention Change image and share on social
Considering the wealth of poetic drama that has come down to us from the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods, it is surprising that so little of any value has been added since. James Fenton adddramaelizabethan Change image and share on social
'What is this', and 'How is this done?' are the first two questions to ask of any work of art. The second question immediately illuminates the first, but it often doesn't get asked. Perhaps it sounds too technical. Perhaps it sounds pedestrian. James Fenton artaskilluminate share on social