Title
Becoming Bone: Poems on the Life of Celia Thaxter (18361894),Used
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In the tradition of such outstanding biographyinpoetry collections as Maurice Mannings A Companion of Owls about Daniel Boone and Sharon Chmielarzs The Other Mozart, Annie Boutelles first collection probes the layered life of one of nineteenthcentury Americas most popular poets, who is now almost forgotten. The Celia Thaxter who speaks these poems disturbs the placid myth created around her public persona, and focuses on the fierce mysteries and ironies that frame her. Boutelle carefully reveals Thaxters childhood on the stark Isles of Shoals off the New Hampshire coast; the trap of a Victorian marriage; the struggle to invent herself as a writer and painter; her celebrated circle of friends, which included Nathaniel Hawthorne, John Greenleaf Whittier, Sarah Orne Jewett, and Childe Hassam; and the hardwon serenity of her last decade. At the fringes of Thaxters life a wider world clamors, particularly with the onset of the Civil War. At the center rests a quiet, almost elliptical silence.Like fine champagne, these poems ravish. Clear, airy, crystalline, they move us into an elemental world where nothing is left but water, / air, and the uncertain space between. The spare language resonates. With restraint and lyric tenderness, Boutelle leads us toward a woman who shifts from pose to necessary pose, who survives in these pages with intelligence and grace: The grave / flesh melts. Whats left / is light as bone.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Becoming Bone: Poems on the Life of Celia Thaxter'? A: The main theme explores the layered life of Celia Thaxter, delving into her experiences as a poet, her Victorian marriage, and her relationships with notable contemporaries, while also addressing the broader context of her life against the backdrop of the Civil War.
- Q: Who is the author of this poetry collection? A: The author is Annie Boutelle, who presents a nuanced portrayal of Celia Thaxter through her first collection of poetry.
- Q: How many pages are in 'Becoming Bone'? A: The book contains 104 pages, providing a concise yet impactful reading experience.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is available in paperback binding, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: When was 'Becoming Bone' published? A: The book was published on July 1, 2005.
- Q: What literary style is used in 'Becoming Bone'? A: Annie Boutelle employs a lyrical and restrained style in her poetry, creating a delicate balance between emotion and clarity.
- Q: Is 'Becoming Bone' suitable for readers interested in American poetry? A: Yes, this collection is particularly suitable for readers interested in American poetry, especially those who appreciate biographical explorations of historical figures.
- Q: What can readers expect from the writing style in this collection? A: Readers can expect a clear, airy, and crystalline writing style that evokes elemental imagery, guiding them through the complexities of Thaxter's life.
- Q: Does the book include any historical context? A: Yes, the poems intertwine Thaxter's personal narrative with significant historical events, particularly the Civil War, enriching the reader's understanding of her life and times.
- Q: What makes Celia Thaxter an important figure in American literature? A: Celia Thaxter was a significant poet of the 19th century whose work, although less recognized today, contributed to the American literary landscape, particularly through her connections with other prominent writers and artists.