English Language and Literature Commons^™

Volume 9, Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal presents a compelling collection of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and literary criticism, offering a diverse and thought-provoking exploration of contemporary literature. Originally archived as Volume 9, Issue 1, this issue is actually Volume 13, Issue 2, covering Spring 1995. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

This issue features a remarkable selection of Arkansas Tech Writers, showcasing student contributions alongside established literary voices. Themes of family, identity, war, and …

Volume 8, Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal is a remarkable showcase of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and literary criticism, highlighting a diverse range of voices and themes. Originally archived as Volume 8, Issue 2, this issue is actually Volume 13, Issue 1, covering Fall 1994. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

This issue features a special section dedicated to New Formalism, a poetic movement that sought to reintroduce traditional meter and narrative structures into contemporary …

Volume 8, Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This special double issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal is a powerful collection of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and literary criticism, originally archived as Volume 8, Issue 1, but actually Volume 12, Issues 1 & 2, covering Spring 1994. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

This issue is dedicated to Dr. William D. Seidensticker, a professor of philosophy at Arkansas Tech University, whose intellectual contributions and passion for philosophical inquiry inspired many students and faculty. …

Volume 7, Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal presents a rich and thought-provoking selection of poetry, fiction, essays, and literary reviews, reflecting the breadth and diversity of contemporary literary voices. Originally archived as Volume 7, Issue 2, this issue is actually Volume 11, Issue 2, covering Fall 1993. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

This issue features deeply introspective poetry, with themes ranging from personal history and memory in On Finding My Grandmother’s Letters to the …

Volume 7, Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal continues its commitment to showcasing an eclectic mix of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and literary criticism. Originally archived as Volume 7, Issue 1, this issue is actually Volume 11, Issue 1, covering Spring 1993. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

With a focus on experimental storytelling, mythology, historical narratives, and contemporary literary criticism, this issue captures a range of voices from both student contributors and established writers. Highlights include …

Volume 6, Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal continues its tradition of publishing a diverse array of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and visual art, offering a platform for both emerging and established writers. Originally archived as Volume 6, Issue 2, this issue is actually Volume 10, Issue 2, covering Fall 1992. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original journals.

Featuring an eclectic mix of contemporary poetry, short fiction, and literary essays, this issue captures a broad spectrum of themes, …

Volume 6 Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This special edition of Nebo: A Literary Journal, titled "Herstory", is a tribute to the voices of women writers throughout history and across cultures. Originally archived as Volume 6, Issue 1, this issue is actually Volume 10, Issue 1, covering Fall and Spring of the 1991-1992 academic year. Due to necessary metadata adjustments in the digital archiving process, some volume and issue numbers in the online collection may not match those printed in the original print editions.

This issue explores the rich contributions of women in literature, featuring poetry, fiction, nonfiction, translations, and literary criticism. …

Volume 5, Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

This issue of Nebo: A Literary Journal represents a dynamic collection of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, translations, and visual art, showcasing a diverse range of voices from emerging and established writers. Originally archived as Volume 5, Issue 2, this issue is actually Volume 9, covering Fall and Spring of the 1990-1991 academic year. As part of the ongoing archival process, some volume and issue numbers in the digital collection may not correspond with those printed in the original journals. Despite these variations, the commitment of Nebo to fostering literary excellence and supporting the creative arts remains unwavering. This …

Volume 6, Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

Nebo, Volume 6, Issue 2 (Fall 1987), continues its dedication to showcasing a diverse array of literary voices through poetry, fiction, and critical reviews. Although this issue is labeled as Volume 6, Issue 1 within the journal itself, it is officially recognized as Volume 6, Issue 2 in the Nebo archive. Featuring contributions from writers such as John Gery, H.L. Hix, and Katharyn Machan Aal, this issue explores themes of war, memory, identity, and the craft of storytelling. Highlights include poetic reflections on personal and historical trauma, introspective explorations of human relationships, and critical essays on contemporary literary works. …

Volume 6, Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

Nebo, Volume 6, Issue 1 (Spring 1987), continues its tradition of showcasing a rich array of literary voices through poetry, fiction, and critical reviews. This issue presents a mix of evocative storytelling and thought-provoking verse, featuring works by authors such as Grace Cash, Jim Finley, and Paul Lake. The selections engage with themes of history, place, love, and existential reflection, capturing both the personal and the universal. With its roots in Arkansas Tech University, Nebo remains a vibrant platform for emerging and established writers, offering a compelling collection of creative expression.

Volume 5, Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

Nebo, Volume 5, Issue 1 (Spring 1986), showcases a diverse range of literary works, including poetry, fiction, and critical reviews. This issue features compelling short stories that explore themes of identity, memory, and transformation, while the poetry selections capture moments of personal and collective experience. Highlights include works by Jack Butler, Marian Motley-Carcache, and other contributors, as well as critical reviews of contemporary literary works. Published by Arkansas Tech University, Nebo continues its tradition of providing a platform for emerging and established writers.

Volume 4, Issues 1 & 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

Nebo, Volume 4, Issues 1 & 2 (Spring 1985), represents another milestone in Arkansas Tech University’s biannual literary journal, continuing its tradition of publishing exceptional poetry, fiction, and literary reviews. This double issue brings together a wide array of voices, styles, and themes, reflecting both the emerging and established literary talents that Nebo seeks to amplify.

This edition features works from a diverse lineup of writers, including Barbara Eckstein, Jack Butler, Janet McCann, Vernon Frazer, Marvin Schwartz, and Daniel Mark-Epstein, among many others. Their works explore human relationships, memory, place, and transformation, offering readers a compelling mix of …

Volume 2, Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

Nebo, Volume 2, Issue 2 (Fall 1984), continues Arkansas Tech University’s tradition of publishing exceptional poetry and fiction through its biannual literary journal. Edited by students with faculty guidance, this issue features a compelling selection of works that explore themes of memory, transformation, identity, and the intricacies of human experience.

This issue includes poetry and fiction from a diverse group of writers, including John Gery, Wyatt Prunty, Laura McLaughlin, David Mason, and many more. Their works range from deeply personal reflections to broader cultural commentaries, showcasing a wide variety of literary styles.

Additionally, Nebo proudly celebrates the achievements of …

Nebo: Volume 2, Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

Nebo, Arkansas Tech University’s literary journal, continues its tradition of showcasing innovative and thought-provoking creative writing in its Spring 1984 issue. This volume brings together poetry, fiction, and essays from a diverse range of voices, reflecting the evolving landscape of contemporary literature. Featuring work from both emerging and established writers, this issue delves into themes of memory, transformation, and the human condition. Readers will discover a collection rich with narrative depth, poetic experimentation, and critical literary discourse. As Nebo enters its second volume, it reaffirms its role as a space for artistic expression and literary excellence.

Nebo: Volume 1, Issue 2

NEBO: A Literary Journal

The Fall 1983 edition of Nebo (Volume 1, Issue 2) continues the journal’s commitment to showcasing compelling poetry and fiction that push the boundaries of literary expression. This issue brings together a diverse collection of works, exploring themes of human experience, memory, relationships, and artistic interpretation. With contributors ranging from emerging to established voices, the selections in this issue offer a wide spectrum of poetic lyricism and narrative depth. Featuring works from Lawrence Millman, Warren Hope, Turner Cassity, and many others, this volume engages with the complexities of storytelling and the power of the written word.

As Nebo maintains its …

Nebo: Volume 1, Issue 1

NEBO: A Literary Journal

Nebo Literary Journal is a dynamic collection of contemporary fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction that highlights emerging voices in literature. Curated by Arkansas Tech University, this issue features a diverse range of storytelling, lyrical expression, and thought-provoking essays that explore themes of identity, human connection, and the power of narrative. With contributions from talented writers across genres, Nebo serves as a creative space for literary exploration and artistic expression. Whether through evocative poetry or compelling short stories, this issue invites readers to immerse themselves in the richness of modern literature.

"Elegy At 10,000 Feet," "Pink Moon," "Day In Reverse Order", Paulette Bane

Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

“Women Who Don’T Know How To Stay Married”: The Poetic Afterlives Of The 1927 Bristol Sessions, Aubrey R. Adkins

Honors Theses

This project begins from the understanding that song lyrics can have lasting impacts on the poetic work that proceeds from them, and can and should, therefore, be read as literature. In the cultural context of Southern Appalachia, a historically underserved and academically underrepresented region, this understanding is intertwined with Audre Lorde’s idea that “For women...[poetry] is a vital necessity of our existence.” The women of Southern Appalachia, denied access to particular modes of expression as a result of external circumstances such as poverty and sexism, need poetry, according to Lorde, to take “tangible action” in their lives. What came before …

Mythopoesis And Gendered Power: An Akan Perspective On Stacy Waite’S A Real Man Would Have A Gun, Akua Agyeiwaa Denkyi-Manieson

Department of English: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Review of Stacy Waite’s A Real Man Would Have a Gun, challenges traditional Akan gender roles and critiques the societal structures that limit women’s power.

‘‘I Am Not This, Not Here, This Time’’: Claudia Emerson’S Infusion Suite As A Compelling Account Of The Lived Experience Of Cancer, Chris Foss

English & Linguistics Articles

Claudia Emerson’s Infusion Suite section within her poetry collection Impossible Bottle is a significant contemporary literary representation of cancer. In this twelve-poem sequence, Emerson dispenses with the typical martial metaphors so often used to represent this lived experience. Instead, she focuses on more mundane everyday moments in a way that acknowledges and respects the humanity of all those at the treatment center—especially that of the patients. Emerson refuses to airbrush out the daunting, debilitating aspects of cancer, but she also preserves space for light and life.

Robert Frost And The Myth Of Adam And Eve, Theo Johnson

CMC Senior Theses

What exactly it is about the story of Adam and Eve that fascinated Robert Frost is hard to say. Of course, he is not the first to engage with it in writing – for much of recorded human history, the Genesis account of man’s creation has held a place of unparalleled importance in our understanding of what it is to be human, provoking innumerable exegetic responses. In popular literature, too, it has served as inspiration for some of the most celebrated English and American poems. From the “bloodless myth” of Geoffrey Hill’s “Genesis” to the great theodicy of John Milton’s …

The Enduring Enigma Of Tom Bombadil: From Riddlic Styling To Metaphorical Encounter, Derek Simon

Journal of Tolkien Research

Conversationalists and critics alike continue to take delight in Tom Bombadil, yet remain perplexed by his enduring enigma. Interpretive positioning appears to be determined by the semantics of the term enigma deployed and how it intersects with any of the several textual standpoints adopted. The primary contention of this article is that the enigma is intentionally both a riddle (noun) and a riddling (verb). Reading the enigma through literary features of the Old English riddle-song can yield an alternate interpretation of Tom Bombadil that has received scant attention in critical commentary. In support of this contention, I propose to read …

The Stark Surrealism In Spectra’S Soulfulness, Zach Blair

English: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Arthur Davison Ficke and Witter Bynner were American poetry's first Surrealists, preceding Breton and his founding of Surrealism, with the publication of its first manifesto, in France in 1924. Though the creative merits of 1916's "Spectra: A Book of Poetic Experiments" are many, most scholars and critics regard it as a hoax intended to mock Imagism and the like. But Ficke and Bynner, using the pseudonyms Anne Knish and Emanuel Morgan, respectively, blazed trails no poets had priorly dared to venture down.

Experimental Forms And Identity Politics In 21st Century American Poetry, Ronnie Stephens

Dialogue: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Popular Culture and Pedagogy

“Experimental Forms and Identity Politics in 21st Century American Poetry” explores the function of form in American poetry and its proximity to whiteness. Through an analysis of experimental and nontraditional forms I argue that poets Fatimah Asghar, Jericho Brown, Franny Choi, Natalie Diaz, Ilya Kaminsky, and Danez Smith challenge traditional notions of what a poem is; these authors use graphics and co-opt familiar text objects to challenge larger assumptions about gender identity, ableism, and the immigrant experience. These experimental forms are grounded in a larger poetic tradition that alters traditional forms, such as the sonnet, to disrupt and further dialogue …

Friar Jack, The Science-Fiction Apologist: Exploring “The Friar Of Oxford” By William Lindsay Gresham, G. Connor Salter, Sørina Higgins

Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature

Few Inklings scholars have explored William Lindsay Gresham’s life outside of the fact that he was married to Joy Davidman. His poem “The Friar of Oxford,” published here for the first time, shows a surprising level of engagement with C.S. Lewis’s ideas, combining war imagery with references to the Ransom Cycle and a “mushroom cloud” reference that may show he explored one of Lewis’s literary influences. The poem’s contents add to existing Gresham-Inklings scholarship, and show Gresham accomplishing the same goals that the Inklings and their associates like Dorothy L. Sayers accomplished in their “escapist” or mythopoeic works.

My Soul, She Walks Behind Me, Sanyukta Shiv Kumar

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

This thesis reimagines the consequences of my great-grandmother’s life. It is an attempt to demystify women’s conditioned roles within private and public spaces and note how, through this conditioning, their identity is repressed to the point of diffidence and eventually, abhorrence towards their own bodies and the physical spaces they occupy. This is portrayed in poetry form through the voice of my great-grandmother as the primary speaker, and is interspersed with the voices of the grandmother, the mother, and the great-granddaughter.

My great-grandmother’s lived experience consisted mostly of her life as a young wife, mother, devotee, and storyteller. She told …

My Last Concussion, Shannon Valkr

Department of English: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

MY LAST CONCUSSION is a thesis consisting of a critical introduction, a number of poetic influences, and a collection of poems. The introduction touches on the themes of the collection, my personal history with my subject, my changing approach to poetry, and a brief evaluation of the work as a whole. It details my approach to Catholicism, paganism, transgender identity, and oppression. My work grapples with both my current understanding of myself and my inability to enunciate my reality in the past. I aim to view divinity and personal history through a lens of queerness.

Advisor: Kwame Dawes

If I Cannot Hear Us, How Do I Know We Are Here? A Journey Into Assyrian Storytelling, Nadine Koochou

Canterbury Scholars

In this collection of poetry and prose, Nadine Koochou explores her Assyrian-American identity, retracing family history and merging it with her own reflections. Through creative essays, she communicates the things she knows, to some degree of certainty. Through poetry, she communicates things she thinks she knows, or feelings she understands intrinsically, or things she does not know at all but wishes to know. Combining Assyrian history with intimate stories, she explores themes of generational trauma, language, love, war, and home.

Ekphrasis: An Exploration Of Poetry Inspired By Art, Caitlin Cacciatore

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

“Ekphrasis: An Exploration of Poetry Inspired by Art” is an Open Educational Resource (OER) that occupies the underdeveloped niche of freely available teaching and learning materials about the interdisciplinary poetic medium of ekphrasis. Ekphrastic poetry is a form dating back to Book XVIII of the Iliad, experiencing a revitalization in the latter half of the 18^th century, when demand for written descriptions of paintings was in high demand, and again taking on a new, modern meaning in the early 19^th century, with poems like John Keats’ 1819 “Ode on a Grecian Urn.” Ekphrasis is …

With Love, ; An Interdisciplinary And Intersectional Look At Why Creativity Is Essential, Theo Starr Gardner

Whittier Scholars Program

My Whittier Scholars Program self-designed major, Teaching Creativity, is a mixture of Art, Literature, and Education classes. My research and praxis classes have been focused on the ‘how?’s and 'why?’s of creativity, so it felt only right that my project should be a constructivist, generative project. The project I have been working on throughout my time at Whittier, and that has just fully come to fruition on April 11th, 2024, was a solo art gallery/open mic event entitled ‘With Love,’. With Love, was conceptually inspired by the research I’ve conducted on creativity and creative arts education over the past few …