The Future of English Poetry

"The Future of English Poetry" by Edmund Gosse is a philosophical examination written in the early 20th century. This work takes the form of a discourse or essay, analyzing the trajectory and potential developments of English poetry over the coming century. Gosse delves into the intrinsic nature and ongoing relevance of poetry, positing that it remains a dynamic and undying art form capable of evolution amidst shifting cultural landscapes. In this treatise, Gosse articulates various complexities faced by English poetry, including the struggle for originality in a saturated linguistic environment and the challenge of embracing new themes beyond traditional lyrical expressions. He anticipates a movement toward symbolic and intricate expressions, albeit at the risk of sacrificing directness and accessibility. Moreover, Gosse speculates that future poets will increasingly focus on personal introspection, emotional depth, and dramatization of life experiences while wrestling with the impulses imposed by society. Overall, the essay inspires contemplation about the resilience of poetry and its ability to adapt, even as it grapples with conventions and the expectations of both contemporary and future audiences. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Edmund William Gosse was an English poet, author and critic. He was strictly brought up in a small Protestant sect, the Plymouth Brethren, but broke away sharply from that faith. His account of his childhood in the book Father and Son has been described as the first psychological biography.