Stevens professor Edward Foster is also a poet and a writer. On Wednesday, September 17, Foster spoke about poetry at Stevens’ weekly Humanities forum; how it should be defined as an “act or activity” rather than an object. Poetry should not be concerned with rhetoric, objectives, or language. It should not be taught nor “discussed”. In Foster’s point of view, there are “no ideas in things” and therefore poetry goes beyond the “surface of the words.” Well-versed in the history, different genres, and different time periods of poetry, Foster quoted many infamous poets to get his point across. From deepening his voice when reciting Ezra Pound’s Canto 81, to describing six cycles of American poetry, Foster was involved and engrossed in his words.
The forum really took off once the floor was opened for discussion. Students and professors engaged in conversation, questioning Foster’s perspective and challenging his arguments. The room was filled with laughter as Foster explained the paradox behind his lecture since he argued poetry should not be discussed in the first place. Philosopher and professor Michael Steinmann questioned whether “poetry is the basis of language,” while professor John Horgan questioned why “poetry is marginalized” in America. Foster was able to answer many questions students had about genres of poetry and perspectives on it; but modestly admitted that many questions cannot be answered. He encouraged challenges among his colleagues and was willing to accept that many don’t agree with his views.
Foster’s humor and eloquent language gripped his audience in giggles and contemplative thought. He pointed out certain statements of John Spicer’s to be incorrect in the midst of quoting him. He also brought up the concept of two different perspectives on poetry: one in which the poetry goes beyond the author’s intentions; and another where the poetry simply fulfills the structure of the author’s purpose. He gave examples of how poetry can be imitated, but not taught.
In a technology-oriented school where a very small percentage of students are humanities majors, Foster was able to engage students of various academic backgrounds. Foster compared formulas such as F=ma to excerpts from works by T.S Eliot. Junior chemical biology major Sara Hassan felt the talk enlightened [her] on the different kinds of poets and poetry. “It was really nice just to listen to him recite the poetry. The way he stated “pull down thy vanity” and took on the character of who he was reading was very soothing.” Foster answered the questions of students and professors with the same respect and interest. He did not assume one to be more knowledgeable than the other.
The discussion took many turns, sometimes seeping into politics, other times into history. Foster ended his talk speaking about a poet he knew very well who was deeply tortured; a trait Foster said is not surprising among poets. With that happy note, the talk ended with more laughs and giggles as students and colleagues alike applauded the thought-provoking discussion.
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