Total originality is a myth; all poems are "inter-poems" written in response to others.
The poet "completes" the precursor’s work, suggesting the original didn't go far enough. Harold Bloom - The Anxiety of Influence. A Theo...
The final stage where the new poet’s work is so strong it makes the precursor’s work sound like it was influenced by the new writer. ⚡ Key Takeaways Total originality is a myth; all poems are
An act of self-emptying where the poet breaks with the precursor’s influence to seem independent. Total originality is a myth
Bloom outlines six specific ways (or "ratios") that a new poet twists the work of a predecessor to make it their own: