Activism through Poetry

Activism through Poetry: Critical Spanish Poems in Translation is a compiled anthology of translated poems, which explore cultural, political, social, and ecological issues in the context of contemporary Spain. The work highlights the active role that poetry plays in the debate of these issues.

The anthology begins with an introduction, which provides a theoretical framework and a critical analysis of each poem. It is an important contribution in the academic context and also in the more general context of international social and political action. It constitutes the first bilingual translation of selected poems written by well-known and emergent contemporary critical poets from Spain. The five sections (Historical Memory, Ecology, Political and Social Issues, Patriarchy, and Capitalism) feature four poems with a total of twenty poems (ten written by women and ten written by men). These poets are activists whose poetry comments on society and, more importantly, wants to have an impact on it. The poetic art that is born from ethical commitment has the potential to call attention not only to the realities of the world we live in but also to the possibilities for transformation. Poetry, therefore, is ultimately a political act.

Marina Llorente is professor of Spanish in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures and Associate Dean of International and Intercultural Studies at St. Lawrence University.

Marcella Salvi is associate professor of Spanish and Italian in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at St. Lawrence University.