CLASSIFICATION
Swallow ID:
8307
Partner Institution:
University of Calgary
Source Collection Label:
Alden Nowlan fonds
Sub Series:
Alden Nowlan fonds
ITEM DESCRIPTION
Title:
Nov 15 / 77 A. Nowland. A. side only.
Title Source:
Transcribed from the artifact
Language:
English
Production Context:
Documentary recording
Identifiers:
[3.1.3]
Rights
Rights:
In Copyright (InC)
Notes:
Enters Public Domain at the end of 2027
CREATORS
Name:
Nowlan, Alden
Dates:
1933-1983
CONTRIBUTORS
MATERIAL DESCRIPTION
Recording Type:
Analogue
AV Type:
Audio
Material Designation:
Cassette
Physical Composition:
Magnetic Tape
Extent:
1/8 inch
Side:
A and B
Tape Brand:
Philips
Sound Quality:
Good
Physical Condition:
Good
DIGITAL FILE DESCRIPTION
Duration:
T00:23:16
Size:
42.59 MB
Dates
Date:
1977-11-15
Type:
Performance Date
Notes:
Dates taken from container and/or accompanying material.
LOCATION
CONTENT
Notes:
- [00:00:00] Recording begins mid-conversation. Discussion of martyrdom in Alden Nowlan’s verse. Dignity as part of the human character. Alden Nowlan appreciates those who know how to die well.
- [00:04:05] Discussion of Alden Nowlan’s poem “Britain Street,” with the lines “On this street, / even the dogs / would rather fight / than eat”
o Alden Nowlan resists the interviewer’s desire for him to explain the meaning/intention of the poem. He wants readers to do this work and sees danger in the poet himself telling people what this meaning is.
- [00:08:53] Discussion of gifts based on one of Alden Nowlan’s lines “the purest of gifts, those that consist only in giving.” A young woman at a reading brought Alden Nowlan flower seeds, it was a gift of understanding.
- [00:10:37] Discussion of “The Sister of Zion” and religion. Presumably, this poem becomes “Daughter of Zion.”
- [00:14:03] “There is not point in poetry if you withhold the truth” and “All truths are half truths.” Discussion of truth and the necessity (or not) for truth in poetry.
- [00:18:25] Discussion of marriage.
- [00:21:40] cuts to another question. Discussion of being an interviewer/being interviewed. Alden Nowlan tells a story of the only time he asked an interviewer to leave.
NOTES
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