Casino of the Sun: A collection of poems with a critical introduction

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: Drawing upon the literary criticism of various authors---from Emily Dickinson to Robert Bly to Stephen Dobyns---while acknowledging the work of poets who have directly influenced my own writing---including Elizabeth Bishop, James Wright, and Sylvia Plath---my critical introduction investigates my prosodic techniques and fixations, confirms my connection to the post-confessional movement in poetry, and justifies my bleak yet satirical aesthetic.

Findings and Conclusions: In this collection of poems, I have applied elements of both the narrative and the surrealistic lyric, addressing subjects as disparate as family, alienation, death, idealistic love, alcoholism, and political and economic quandary---employing the casino's risk, tawdriness, and mystery as a controlling metaphor. In addition, I attempt to consolidate the major free verse craft devices in an edifying and entertaining manner.