"But Aren't We All?": Bathos in the Poetry of Danez Smith, Elizabeth Bishop, and Matthea Harvey

Abstract

Abstract:This article explores the use of contemporary bathos in poetry by Danez Smith, Elizabeth Bishop, and Matthea Harvey, widening into a larger discussion of what we look for when reading poetry. Though these poets create bathos through varied means, all demonstrate its power to reflect human consciousness and existential truth. This research can generate discussions among both readers and writers of poetry about how and why this poetic device is used.