Question

Discuss how Edwin Arlington Robinson’s use of language and imagery affects the meaning of “Aunt Imogen.”

Answer 1

Robert Stevick has said that "Robinson's poetry deserves the attention it does not contrive to attract" (Barnard, Centenary Essays, 66). To introduce Robinson's subtlety, read the poems out loud and more than once. Robinson once told a reader who confessed to being confused about his poetry that he should read the poems one word at a time. Robinson was very sensitive to the sound of words and complained of not liking his name because it sounded like a tin can being kicked down the stairs. He also said that poetry must be music. This musical quality is best perceived by reading his poetry aloud.