Power in the Blood: Christianity as an Element of Craft in the Narrative Poetry of Jericho Brown, Emily Dickinson, and Dave Johnson

Abstract

This paper explores the connection between human despair and American religion through classic and contemporary poetry. I trace the use of Christian language, imagery, and themes across time, beginning with Emily Dickinson and ending with Jericho Brown. Doing so highlights the complicated relationship between Americans and Christianity, which speaks to the universal plight of humanity in the face of existential despair.