Interview with Robert Creeley

Abstract

This article presents an interview with poet Robert Creeley, conducted by Hedwig Gorski. The discussion explores the role and influence of poets in society, particularly in times of crisis such as the Vietnam War. Creeley highlights instances where poets like Lawrence Ferlinghetti were under surveillance by the federal government, indicating their perceived threat to the state. The interview also delves into the historical significance of poets in different cultural contexts, comparing the United States with Europe and Russia. Creeley argues that poets have a profound impact on public consciousness and social responsibility, though this influence varies across different demographic groups. The conversation further examines the perception of poetry in American society, addressing the divide between high art and popular art, and the challenges faced by poets in academic settings. Creeley emphasizes the importance of poetry as an articulation of significant emotions and its role as the 'antennae of the race.' The interview concludes with a reflection on the benefits of environments like Black Mountain College, which fostered creative exchange despite external hostility.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)