Making the Poem : Stevens' Approaches

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Over sixty years after his death, Wallace Stevens remains a key figure in American modernist poetry, known for his masterful style and aesthetic explorations of the natural, political, and metaphysical realms. In this study, noted Stevens scholar George S. Lensing examines the poet's creative journey, focusing on the development, composition, and reception of his work. Utilizing lesser-known sources and nuanced text analyses, Lensing broadens the conventional understanding of Stevens' creative methods. This comprehensive exploration covers the origins and themes of famous poems, the social and political contexts influencing Stevens, and the musical elements integral to his style. The study includes a fresh interpretation of the early poem "Sea Surface Full of Clouds," analyzed alongside his wife Elsie's journal from their sea voyage that inspired it, as well as an in-depth examination of the well-known "The Idea of Order at Key West." Additionally, Lensing carefully investigates "Mozart, 1935" within the backdrop of the U.S. Great Depression. The conclusion addresses the gradual recognition Stevens received from poets and critics in Great Britain and Ireland. Drawing from decades of research, this work offers a holistic perspective on Stevens' creative achievements and valuable insights for readers engaging with his poetry.