In Mystic - Joy Harjo (2015); American Smooth - Rita Dove (2004) - Exploration of Cultural Identity

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[...] Poetry can arouse compassion and thoughtfulness, bridging the gap between incongruent involvements and promoting cross-cultural conversations. Poetry opens up room for dialogue, enabling audiences from diverse origins to interact with the cultural involvements being conveyed. Works of poetry like American Smooth and In Mystic promote higher gratitude for diversity and facilitate significant dialogues on the convolutions of cultural identity (Baldwin, n.p). Generally, the poems function as a catalyst for responsiveness, encouraging readers to contemplate and acknowledge the different narratives that build the fabric of humanity. - Work Cited Baldwin, Emma. "Poem Analysis: American Smooth". B.F.A. [...]

[...] Fine Art, B.A. Art Histories. 2024 Dove, Rita. "American Smooth." American Smooth, W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2004 Harjo, Joy. "In Mystic." Breaking the Jaws of Silence: Sixty American Poets Speak to the World, University of Arkansas Press pp. 19-20 Supper Summary. "Further Reading & Resources, Related Poems". [...]

[...] Harjo, in her poem, reflects on the interconnectedness of everything, contemplating a vibrant relationship between cultural identity and the wider universe. The poet states know the shape of the universe is a circle," depicting a perception that exceeds personal identity and acknowledges a more inclusive understanding of being (Harjo, line 36). Likewise, Dove traverses the intricacies of societal anticipations and cultural identity. She recites, "The music says freedom is inevitable," emphasizing the strain between individual manifestation and cultural standards in the setting of dance (Dove, line 25). [...]

[...] Equally, Dove employs a reflective and nostalgic tone towards cultural identity. Her tone is full of negotiation and introspection. Dove's attitude represents cultural criticism as she explores the strains between cultural custom and familiarization. Dove recites, "On the night you decide to put on the blue dress" to express doubt and desire, signifying a struggle to resolve personal longing with societal anticipations (Dove, line 28). Dove also exhibits a tone of transcendence and joy. She asserts "We were dancing, it must have been a foxtrot or a waltz, something romantic but requiring restraint," to reflect the stability between configuration and passion in cultural expression (Dove, lines 1-3). [...]

[...] Dove's dance floor and Harjo's burning trees develop areas where cultural identity is feted and confronted, at the same time lost and found. The imagery not only defines but also welcomes the audience to experience the density of history and the rhythm of life that influences their identity. III. Reader's Engagement with Cultural Identity The use of symbols, references, and themes by Dove and Harjo plays a vital part in influencing the audience's understanding of cultural identity. The literal devices function as tools for showing the fullness of the author's personal encounters and cultural identities. [...]