Hart Crane and Allen Tate

More about the book

Exploring the intricate friendship between Hart Crane and Allen Tate, this analysis delves into the evolution of twentieth-century American poetry amidst shifting sexual identities and literary roles. Langdon Hammer employs biography and formalist critique to reveal American modernism's dual nature—both liberating and elitist. Crane's pursuit of individual genius contrasts with Tate's embrace of traditional masculinity and criticism, reflecting broader cultural tensions. The discussion extends to Robert Lowell, whose "confessional" poetry echoes the Crane-Tate conflict, highlighting ongoing struggles within modernist discourse.