Thomas Dichter (Harvard University)

“It is hard,” writes incarcerated poet Etheridge Knight, “to make a poem in prison.” And yet, poetry has long been a major form of literary production in prisons around the world. From Oscar Wilde to Mahmoud Darwish, celebrated poets have reflected on experiences of incarceration in their work. In the context of the U.S. mass incarceration, poets such as Jimmy Santiago Baca and Reginald Dwayne Betts have risen to fame during or after their imprisonment. Poetry has also been an important element of writings by many political prisoners, such as Wole Soyinka, Assata Shakur, and Leonard Peltier.

This seminar will address the intersection of poetry and incarceration. Papers might address poetic works by incarcerated authors, theorizations of poetic production in carceral settings, and/or representations of imprisonment in works of poetry. What kinds of poetry emerge from experiences of prison, and how does poetry itself confront the violence of incarceration? Submissions are welcome that address any historical period, geographic region, or literary tradition.

This seminar seeks papers addressing the intersection of poetry and incarceration, including poetic works by incarcerated authors, theorizations of poetic production in carceral settings, and/or representations of imprisonment in works of poetry. All historical periods, geographic regions, and literary traditions are welcome.