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13 Episodes 0 - 1988
Episode 1
From her childhood in Nova Scotia to her travels in Brazil, the show showcases the geographical spirit of Bishop's life, combined with scenes from her poetry.
Episode 2
The different locations and dramatized lives in Crane's poetry and in his greatest work, The Bridge, illustrate this point.
Episode 3
Dramatic scenes and New England landscapes illuminate Dickinson's passionate genius, and her poetry represents a wide range of imaginative experiences.
Episode 4
From the bold originality of "Prufrock" to the probing, meditative style of "The Four Quartets," Eliot's life, influences, and poetry are explored through photographs, archival footage, and discussions with friends, critics, and scholars .
Episode 5
Thu, Jan 28, 198860 mins
Documentary on the life and work of the poet Robert Frost.
Episode 6
Hughes writes about the beauty, dignity, and heritage of black Americans. Interviews, music and dance performances convey his work and influences, discussed by James Baldwin and biographer Arnold Rampersad.
Episode 7
Thu, Feb 25, 198860 mins
Lowell's political zeal is reflected in some of his greatest poetry. Lowell himself read from his work. Elizabeth Hardwick, Robert Haas, and others discuss his development and style, as seen in "The Castle of the Weary Lord" and "A Study of Life."
Episode 8
56 mins
Funny, awe-inspiring, and paradoxical, the poet and her work have been analyzed by critics and friends, including Monroe Wheeler, Grace Shulman, and Patricia Willis. Her most memorable poems display her powers of observation and moral strength.
Episode 9
Plath's creative intensity as she confronts her experiences as daughter, wife, mother, and writer is explored in documentary and archival footage, and visualized alongside her work.
Episode 10
Friends and Critic explores one of the most controversial of American poets-art catalyst, legendary confidant, and author of brilliant poetry-Ezra Pound, his poetry, and his role in the Modernist movement.
Episode 11
Stevens' flamboyant language skills and philosophical vision of American life are beautifully interpreted in archival footage.
Episode 12
Brilliant readings of Whitman's poems showcase his American vision and style and vividly convey their poignancy and sheer power. Whitman's sources are revealed, including Emerson, the King James Bible, operas, and political speeches.
Episode 13
"There are no ideas, only in things," Williams' aesthetic maxim seeks to capture, not analyze. Documentaries, interviews, animations, and dramatized collages capture the poet's usual visual work and intense life.