The Play and Place of Criticism

Focusing on the role of criticism, the title essay introduces Professor Krieger's "contextualist" stance, emphasizing the critic's vital function in connecting contemporary poetry with the broader language. He characterizes the critic's role as rhapsodic, engaging deeply with the poet's inspiration, which can transcend analytical boundaries. Krieger advocates for a "still movement" in poetry, exploring the interplay of temporal and spatial elements. The collection also analyzes works by notable authors like Shakespeare and Hawthorne, situating his perspective within various critical traditions.