A(lfred) W(ellington) Purdy Criticism
A. W. Purdy stands as a towering figure in Canadian poetry, celebrated for his vigorous, humorous, and original voice. His work is renowned for its vivid connection to the Canadian landscape and a profound exploration of existential themes, as explored by George Woodcock. Purdy combines romanticism and realism, presenting a complex view of relationships, as observed by Margaret Atwood in her examination of his collection, Love in a Burning Building. His ability to mythologize the past and give structure to experiences positions him as a preserver of human continuity, as noted by Barry Cameron in "In Search of Owen Roblin." This narrative aspect of Purdy's work is further explored by John Lye, who discusses the dualistic nature of his poetic persona. Purdy's poetry, often prioritizing content over form, employs a dialectical opposition between self and environment, creating a narrative progression noted by Ants Reigo. Furthermore, his evolution towards simplicity in name and style is praised by Doug Fetherling, who highlights Purdy's focus on roots and history. Purdy's physical vigor and emotional depth make him a vital voice for the Canadian working man, as affirmed by Barbara Amiel, who counters accusations of sentimentality with acknowledgment of his wit and insight.
Contents
- Purdy, A(lfred) W(ellington) (Vol. 6)
- Purdy, A(lfred) W(ellington) (Vol. 3)
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Purdy, A(lfred) W(ellington) (Vol. 14)
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Love Is Ambiguous … Sex Is a Bully
(summary)
In the following essay, Margaret Atwood examines A. W. Purdy's collection "Love in a Burning Building," highlighting the poet's blend of romanticism and realism, his division of women into "Wife" and "Others," and his exploration of love, death, and the human condition through both humor and poignant insight.
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On the Poetry of Al Purdy
(summary)
In the following essay, George Woodcock argues that A. W. Purdy's poetry, characterized by its deep connection to the Canadian landscape and its history, masterfully combines rural imagery with existential themes, showcasing Purdy's versatility as a craftsman who skillfully manipulates poetic forms to evoke both the ecstasy and the inevitability of decay in human existence.
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The Motive for Fiction
(summary)
In the following essay, Barry Cameron argues that A.W. Purdy's poem "In Search of Owen Roblin" epitomizes Purdy's thematic exploration of mythologizing the past and structuring experiences to create meaning, portraying the poet's role as a preserver of experience within the continuum of human life.
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The Road to Ameliasburg
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In the following essay, John Lye examines the dualistic nature of Al Purdy's poetic persona, exploring how his work embodies themes of human sentimentality, historical continuity, and the struggle between cynical realism and idealistic sensitivity, while maintaining a conservative and humane perspective towards the complexities of human existence.
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The Purdy Poem
(summary)
In the following essay, Ants Reigo examines the poetry of A. W. Purdy, highlighting its emphasis on content over form, its characteristic dialectical opposition between the self and environment, and its use of figurative language to create a sense of narrative progression, while noting its limitations in emotional and intellectual depth.
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Saturday Night Book Review Annual: Al Purdy's Obsessive Search for Roots
(summary)
In the following essay, Doug Fetherling examines A. W. Purdy's evolution as a poet, highlighting his transformation towards simplicity in both name and style, and the thematic focus on roots and history, while praising the craftsmanship and influence of his distinctive rhythm and language in "Being Alive: Poems 1958–78."
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Capsule Comments on Canada
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In the following essay, Barbara Amiel lauds A.W. Purdy as a vital voice for the Canadian working man, credited with capturing the country's intricate contrasts through his poetry's physical vigor and emotional depth, while countering accusations of sentimentality with wit and profound insight.
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Love Is Ambiguous … Sex Is a Bully
(summary)