Does a poem even need punctuation? It all depends…

When it comes to punctuating poems, opinions vary widely. Some poets are as careful and correct as T.S. Eliot, while others, like W.S. Merwin, have gotten rid of punctuation altogether. In this workshop we will discuss what traditional punctuation can achieve and whether syntax and line breaks can be used in its place. We will explore in depth the role played by the period and the comma, and we’ll take a look at some of the more unusual punctuation marks that poets have invented to suit their own purposes. By looking closely at a few poets who turned away from conventional punctuation at some point in their careers, we will be able to judge for ourselves whether and how to punctuate our own poems.

Live video conference: This workshop will be held via our online video conferencing platform, Zoom. You can view brief tutorials on using the platform here. On the start date or the day before, participants will receive an email with login info (please check your spam if you don’t see it).

In this workshop you’ll learn:

• What the use of certain punctuation marks can achieve.
• How misusing something as simple as a comma can undermine your poem’s meaning and impact.
• How removing or avoiding traditional punctuation changes a poem.

Time requirements

• No time required outside of class.

Materials

• All reading materials will be provided.

Who should take this workshop?

• This workshop is designed for poets at all levels who are interested in experimenting with punctuation or in learning to use it more effectively.

If you need an accommodation for this workshop, please contact us at access@writer.org. We will attempt to fulfill all requests, but advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.