Re: Appreciating/Chopping a Poem

Nyayapathi Srinivasa Rao (vasu@india.hp.com)
Thu, 6 Mar 97 11:24:00 IST


>      Here is a poem I stumbled upon. Let us be 
>      objective and criticize the poem. I have 
>      deliberately chosen to post it as a work
>      by an anonymous unknown!

What made you think 'signed posts' make your readers
less objective??

>      In appreciating the modern art, particularly
>      the post-impressionistic variety, I have learnt
>      that the artist's signature on the art work becomes
>      an integral part of the art work! It seems, even how
>      and where the piece gets exhibited, makes a difference.

What can we do?? Pose this q to fledgling artists and to
Hussains and Newton D'Souza's! Or to the owners of thsoe
art galloeries!

>      I am not sure if the same 'theory' is valid in literature
>      and literary appreciation. True, if we know the author,
>      we either consciously or subconsciously tend to add
>      excess 'baggage' to the piece, that may or may not
>      be relevant!

You said it!

>      The bottom line is this: Can a poem/a literary work
>      be objectively appreciated/criticized, irrespective
>      of the author?

Three times yes!

>      
>      Cabbage and Carrot
>      

[snipped]

It reminds me of two telugu proverbs which anybody
can easily guess. It's rather about sorrow. I liked it.

But it's no great one. 

You should tell me
WHEN the author wrote it. A 1930's poem isn't the same thing
as yesterday's.

I choose to request you - as i did someother poster weeks ago -
that CONTEXTS should be explained. If it is built around some kind
of folk-tale or a proverb not known apriori to us, and if that
tale/saying plays a role in atleast appreciating the poem, you should do that!

Afterall nobody knows all the myths and folk-tales of all the
cultures. 

--
Regards & Thanks
Vasu.