Jan 6, 2010

Autumn Begins in Martins Ferry, Ohio | Critical Overview

As is common with many creative artists who change their style after acquiring a following of fans who like the “old” ways, criticism can be quick and harsh. Wright had his share of bad reviews after publishing his third book, The Branch Will Not Break, which marked a very vivid turning point in his poetry. In “The Work of James Wright,” an article by fellow poet and friend Robert Bly, the writer describes the views of two particular critics who did not like Wright’s new style: “Many reviewers watched this move with hostility,” Bly said. “Larry Rubin, Jr., American...