Faculty Insight: Wendell Berry's Poem "XIII"

Summary

In this video, the speaker introduces Wendell Berry, a poet, essayist, and novelist known for his reflections on nature and Christian faith. The focus is on one of his poems, which personifies the poem itself, asking it to whisper about the beauty of the world. The speaker connects this reflective approach to analyzing literature and film in class, urging students to consider why certain aspects of reality are highlighted in art. This exploration invites the audience to think critically about what is worth illuminating in their own lives and how they might choose to express it through art.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wendell Berry is a multi-genre writer (poet, essayist, novelist) known for his work on nature and Christian faith.
• 😀 The poem discussed in the script is from Wendell Berry's collection 'This Day' in his 'New Sabbath Poems' series.
• 😀 Wendell Berry's writing process is inspired by time spent in nature during his sabbath, allowing his mind to be open to inspiration.
• 😀 The poem personifies the poem itself, giving it the role of a character that whispers important details about nature and life.
• 😀 The poem encourages the reader to focus on specific, beautiful, and noteworthy parts of reality, like nature and its small wonders.
• 😀 In the first line of the poem, the poem itself is personified as being asked to whisper rather than shout, which sets the tone for subtle observation.
• 😀 The poem asks the reader to notice things like a stream, sunlight, and a bird, suggesting that these elements of nature are worth our attention.
• 😀 The poem's message connects with the idea that literature and film, like the poem, point out certain parts of life that the creator deems important.
• 😀 The poem’s whispering tone is compared to the subtle way literature and film highlight details, while sometimes it can feel more like a shout.
• 😀 The script encourages readers and students to think critically about what aspects of life are highlighted in literature, film, and art, and why these elements are considered valuable.
• 😀 The script invites the audience to reflect on how they might illuminate parts of their own lives through art, whether subtly or boldly, and why these elements matter.

Q & A

Who is Wendell Berry, and what are the common themes in his work?

Wendell Berry is a poet, essayist, and novelist born in 1934, who grew up in Kentucky. His works frequently explore themes of nature, the Christian faith, and the values derived from both of these elements.

What is the purpose of the poem discussed in the script?

The poem serves to highlight certain elements of nature and life, pointing out their beauty and significance. It invites readers to reflect on the world around them, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the often-overlooked details of reality.

How does the lecturer connect the poem to the study of literature and film?

The lecturer draws a parallel between the poem's technique of pointing out specific parts of reality and the way literature and film highlight certain aspects of life. In both art forms, creators choose what to emphasize, whether subtly or forcefully, to invite reflection from the audience.

What does Wendell Berry mean by the term 'Sabbath' in the context of the poem?

Berry refers to the 'Sabbath' as a time to free himself from the tasks of daily work, allowing his mind to become receptive to inspiration and unintended thoughts. This period of rest and reflection is where much of his creative work comes from.

What role does the personification of the poem play in the overall message?

By personifying the poem, the speaker gives it a character that actively guides the reader's attention. The poem itself is tasked with pointing out specific images and details in nature, making it an active participant in the reflection process.

What are some examples of imagery in the poem, and what do they convey?

The poem features vivid imagery such as 'the stream speaks to itself,' 'the sun enters,' and 'the tanager flares.' These images emphasize the beauty and serenity of nature, suggesting a deeper, almost spiritual connection with the natural world.

How does the tone of the poem (whisper vs. shout) affect the interpretation of the text?

The tone in the poem shifts between a quiet 'whisper' and a more forceful 'shout,' which influences how the reader perceives the importance of each image. A whisper may suggest contemplation and subtlety, while a shout can signify urgency or a call to action.

What is the significance of the phrase 'there, where' repeated throughout the poem?

The repetition of 'there, where' serves to focus the reader's attention on specific locations or moments in nature, encouraging a closer examination of these details and their underlying beauty or meaning.

Why does the lecturer encourage students to reflect on what they would choose to illuminate in art?

The lecturer encourages this reflection to help students think critically about their own values and the aspects of life they consider worthy of highlighting. It prompts them to consider how they would choose to express their own perspective if they were creators of art.

How does this poem contribute to the broader discussion of art and reality in the class?

This poem exemplifies how art can draw attention to specific aspects of life, encouraging reflection on what is important. The poem's exploration of nature serves as a model for how literature and film can highlight meaningful details, guiding viewers and readers to reflect on the world in new ways.