Poems that reveal insight into the poet’s life are deemed confessional poetry. They are frequently about illness, sexuality, or despondence. When poets first began to write confessional poetry it was unprecedented to write about yourself, at least explicitly. Poets who had previously written about themselves had hidden behind a “mask” or otherwise had written about public issues using a detached persona (angelfire.com).
Poets utilize confessional poetry for a variety of reasons. However, most commonly a poet will write a confessional poem to purge their innermost feelings and emotions. By doing so, the poet is able to “confess.” Despite what one may assume, a confession is not necessarily limited to admitting a misdeed. Rather, a confession may simply be a way a person can release their true feelings. Writers that can successfully do so have found success and appreciation for their work. However, confessional poetry is not solely meant for an audience to enjoy, it is also very therapeutic. Confessional poetry is an excellent tool to manage anger and other extreme emotions.
According to poets.org, craft and construction were extremely important to confessional poets. Although they led an innovational art, they did not stray from usual poetic conventions. Despite their articulate craftsmanship though, confessional poets were much more concerned with the content and delivery of their work.
WORKS CITED
"A Brief Guide to Confessional Poetry ." poets.org (2009) Web.2 Jun 2009.
"Confessional Poetry." angelfire.com (2009) Web.2 Jun 2009.
Siluk, Dennis. "What is Confessional Poetry? (And Why do we Write It?)." A Hint of Poetry 27 Mar 2007 Web.2 Jun 2009.
