Something About the Blues | Al Young | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Al Young discusses the role of poetry throughout history, its connection to music, and its ability to explore various emotions and themes.

Transcript

introduce Al Young who just recently finished his three-year term as California it's poet laurate in addition to being a poet novelist and essayist young is also an educator and has taught poetry fiction writing and American literature at a number of universities he is highly decorated and has received almost every honor imaginable including the Gu... Read More

Key Insights

• 😑 Poetry has evolved over time to become a medium for personal expression.
• 🎼 Sound is a powerful force, and poetry and music are closely intertwined.
• 🎮 Poetry has been used for various purposes, including controlling nature, commemorating events, and worship.
• 💄 Language has become corrupted by corporations and governments, making poetry essential for genuine communication.
• 😌 The power of poetry lies in its ability to explore multiple layers of meaning and connect with people on a deep level.
• 👯 Poetry can bring people back to a connection with the natural world and help break down the concept of the "other."
• 🖐️ The role of poetry in society is to lay bare the questions that have been hidden by the answers.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has the role of poetry changed in English-speaking countries over time?

The first person narrative in poetry became more prevalent in English-speaking countries during the Romantic period in the late 18th century, as poets like Lord Byron and John Keats introduced it to express their beliefs in science and break down human limitations.

Q: How does Al Young view poetry's relationship with music?

Al Young believes that poetry and music are closely connected, with sound being a powerful force in existence. He sees poetry as occupying a space between rational speech and musicality, allowing it to explore multiple layers of meaning.

Q: How has the function of poetry shifted in modern society?

Poetry has become a form of public discourse that allows individuals to communicate outside of the language cultivated by corporations and governments. It serves as an alternative to the deception and manipulation often found in official language.

Q: How does Al Young believe poetry can bring people back to a connection with nature and the natural world?

Al Young suggests that the concept of the "other" and the separation from nature is a major problem in society. Poetry, with its ability to capture the magic and beauty of the natural world, can help bridge this gap and bring people back to their connection with nature.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Al Young talks about the origins of poetry and its evolution in English-speaking countries to become a medium for personal expression.

• Poetry has been used for various purposes throughout history, including controlling nature, commemorating events, and worship.

• Sound is a powerful force, and there is a thin line separating poetry and music.