Episode 683: Marianne Moore (with Kristan Miller) – The History of Literature

Release Date: March 3, 2025

In this engaging episode of "The History of Literature," host Jack Wilson explores the life and work of Marianne Moore, one of American literature's most esteemed yet underappreciated poets. Joined by literary expert Kristan Miller, the episode delves into Moore's poetic achievements, her cultural influence, and the innovative Moore Digital Archive.

Introduction to Marianne Moore

The episode begins with Jack Wilson introducing Marianne Moore as a significant yet not widely recognized figure in American poetry. He highlights her prestigious accolades, noting, “In 1951, her collected poems won both the Pulitzer Prize in poetry and the National Book Award” ([01:29]). Despite her achievements, Moore remains less familiar to the general public compared to contemporaries like T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound.

Ford Motor Company's Naming Request

A fascinating story unfolds when Jack recounts an attempt by Ford Motor Company in the 1950s to enlist Moore's poetic talent for naming their new series of cars. Ford desired names that conveyed elegance, fleetness, and advanced design. Moore responded with a creative list that included names like “Thunder Blender” and “Ford Faberge.” Jack humorously critiques these suggestions, reflecting on how Ford ultimately chose “Edsel,” a name that became infamous for its commercial failure. He remarks, “This gives you a sense of how famous she was, that a company like Ford would reach out to her” ([19:00]).

Marianne Moore's Poetry and Revisions

The discussion shifts to Moore's meticulous approach to poetry, particularly her revisions. Jack introduces a notable example by comparing the original and revised versions of her poem "Poetry." Kristan Miller explains, “Some say it's the worst revision ever done in history” ([19:58]), highlighting how Moore significantly pared down her work to its essence. This drastic editing showcases her commitment to precision and clarity in her poetic expression.

Interview with Kristan Miller: Life and Work

Kristan Miller shares her deep-rooted admiration for Moore, recounting her initial encounter with Moore's poetry during her college years. “The first time I read her, I loved the sound of her poem, my epic, the syncopation of her rhymes,” she recalls ([22:38]). Miller discusses Moore's unique position among modernists, emphasizing her departure from free verse and her innovative use of syllabic structures. This approach allowed Moore to infuse her poetry with a rhythmic complexity that set her apart from contemporaries.

Miller also explores Moore's relationships with other literary figures, such as Ezra Pound and H.D. (Hilda Doolittle). Despite ideological differences, Moore maintained strong friendships, demonstrating her ability to separate personal bonds from professional disagreements. Miller notes, “Moore was very clear that she did not agree with his opinions in a lot of ways” ([30:00]).

Marianne Moore Digital Archive

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Kristan Miller's work in creating the Marianne Moore Digital Archive. She describes the archive as a comprehensive repository of Moore's extensive notebooks, which cover a wide range of subjects from literature and art to personal interactions. “The archive was founded to edit and publish the almost 120 notebooks Marianne Moore kept on virtually every subject under the sun,” Miller explains ([52:08]).

The digital archive aims to make Moore's notes accessible to scholars and enthusiasts worldwide, overcoming the limitations of physical access to the original notebooks housed at the Rosenbach Museum and Library. Miller highlights the archive's features, including transcriptions, annotations, and educational resources, which provide valuable insights into Moore's thought processes and creative inspirations.

Her Legacy and Continued Influence

As the conversation draws to a close, Miller reflects on Moore's enduring legacy and the challenges she faced in gaining widespread recognition. She points out that gender biases within the literary establishment may have contributed to Moore's relative obscurity despite her critical acclaim. The digital archive serves as a pivotal tool in revitalizing interest in Moore's work, ensuring that her contributions to American poetry are both recognized and appreciated by future generations.

Miller emphasizes the importance of continuing to read and study Moore’s poetry, stating, “I hope that my listeners will continue reading more or start reading her” ([67:42]).

Conclusion

Jack Wilson concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to explore the Marianne Moore Digital Archive and engage with Moore's poetry. He underscores the significance of preserving and promoting Moore's work, which offers a rich and nuanced perspective on American modernism.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack Wilson ([01:29]): "In 1951, her collected poems won both the Pulitzer Prize in poetry and the National Book Award."
• Kristan Miller ([22:38]): "The first time I read her, I loved the sound of her poem, my epic, the syncopation of her rhymes.”
• Kristan Miller ([19:58]): “Some say it's the worst revision ever done in history.”
• Kristan Miller ([30:00]): “Moore was very clear that she did not agree with his opinions in a lot of ways.”
• Kristan Miller ([52:08]): “The archive was founded to edit and publish the almost 120 notebooks Marianne Moore kept on virtually every subject under the sun.”

Listeners are encouraged to visit the Marianne Moore Digital Archive at morearchive1word.org to delve deeper into Moore's extensive notes and unpublished work. The episode not only sheds light on Moore's literary genius but also highlights the ongoing efforts to preserve her legacy for future generations.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where Jack Wilson and guest Mike Palindrome will discuss Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Minister's Black Veil."