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Journey through Memory: The Poetry of Li-Young Lee

Explore the life and works of Li-Young Lee, a poet weaving memory, language, and family into evocative verses. Discover Lee's background, influences, and thematic motifs, delving into the significance of images like the persimmon. Unravel the connections between memory and significance in his poetry, pondering the nuances of ethnic versus universal themes. Reflect on the power of food, song, and mnemonics in sustaining familial bonds across generations. Dive into the layers of truth and interpretation in Lee's poems, inviting a deeper understanding of his artistic vision. Join this poetic journey through cultural landscapes and emotional landscapes, guided by Lee's lyrical craftsmanship.

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Journey through Memory: The Poetry of Li-Young Lee

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  1. The Poetry of Li-Young Lee memory, language, family

  2. Li-Young Lee • Born Aug 19, 1957 in Jakarta, Indonesia • Maternal grandfather was China’s 1st republican president • Lee’s father was personal physician to Mao; exiled to Indonesia for anti-Communist views • 1958 – Lee’s father imprisoned in Indonesia for pro-Western views; family escapes to Hong Kong • 1964 – family immigrates for final time to U.S. • Lee’s father abandons medical practice to become Presbyterian minister • 1980s - began writing poetry while at U of Pittsburgh • 1986 – publication of Rose • Ethnic vs universal artist?

  3. Poetic Images & Motifs • Image  concrete description that evokes an abstract concept. Ex: a dark night and death • Motif  reoccurring object, concept, structure that suggests the theme of a literary work. Ex: the blank book in Oscar Wao • What seems to be the most significant image in “The Gift”? What idea is conveyed by that image? Why? • What is the significance of the persimmon in the second poem? What are the different ways it reoccurs and why?

  4. “Persimmons” • Persimmons – motif that suggests how to create connections despite differences • Stanza 1  linguistic difference • Stanza 2  cultural difference • Stanza 3  physical intimacy overrides disconnection of language • Stanzas 4-5 • Mrs. Walker vs mother • Stanzas 6-end • persimmons as connection between father and son

  5. memory, language, family • “Eating Together”  food connects family despite death • “I ask my mother to sing”  song creates connection between first and second-generation • “Mnemonic” • What is a mnemonic? • What is the poem attempting to say about memory? • Accuracy vs Significance

  6. Visions & Interpretations • Stanza 1  setting • Stanzas 2-4  where is “here”? • Stanzas 5-7  what is the “truth”? • Stanzas 8-13  visions as truth; truth as interpretation

  7. Schedule • Fri 5/4 – “When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine” • Mon 5/7 – “Interpreter of Maladies” • Wed 5/9 – “Sexy” • Fri 5/11 – “The Third and Final Continent” • Mon 5/14 – Finals Review • Fri 5/18 – Final Exam, 11am-1pm • Cumulative, blue book, no notes, no books • Part 1: Short Answer • Part 2: Essay on Li-Young Lee and/or JhumpaLahiri

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