The Bowdoin Orient

Novemer 10, 2000
Volume CXXXII, Number 9

Bowdoin Literary Society alive and well

JULIE THOMPSON - STAFF WRITER

In the comfortable common room of Howell House, well-lit and newly furnished, an intimate gathering of students met this Wednesday night to rekindle a passion on the Bowdoin campus-the passion of a deep and abiding interest in literature, poetry, and creative writing. The Bowdoin Literary Society, which has spent the last few years on the shelf, is being resurrected by a lively group of students seeking a broader forum for sharing, discussing, and writing literature.

In one of its first efforts as a newly reformed group to provide a space for literature to be read and discussed, the Literary Society hosted its first open mic night this past Wednesday at Howell House. An amazingly diverse selection of poetry and prose was read, with works offered by more well-known authors as well as by students. The evening began with Robert Frost, whose poem "After Apple Picking" from his collection North of Boston is entrancing in its simplicity: "But I was well/ Upon my way to sleep before it fell/ And I could tell/ What form my dreaming was about to take/ Magnified apples appear and disappear/ Stem end and blossom end/ And every fleck of russet showing clear/ My instep arch not only keeps the ache/ It keeps the pressure of a ladder-round/ I feel the ladder sway as the boughs bend."

Along with American poetic giants such as Frost, readings included the works of Galway Kinnell, Allen Ginsberg, C.S. Lewis, Christopher Smart, and James Wright. Original poems by students with titles such as, "New shaving methods," "Endgame," and "Letters to a Communist" were read, providing an incredible variety of works overall. The informal setting and broad selection of authors enabled listeners to hear and contrast different styles, periods and modes of poetry and prose, a feat not often accomplished, even in the classroom.

In a way, this is one of the Literary Society's main objectives: to bring together students from all over campus through a shared love of literature and writing. The group, consisting of charter members Ajay Rao '02, Larisa Reznik '02, Jared Hickman '99, Kate Waller '02, P.J. Prest '02, and Dane Unruh '01, is in the process of coordinating events that will highlight Bowdoin's literary interests. Says Rao, "We want to promote the presence of a literary community on campus." He also spoke about the group's somewhat patchy history: In the fall of 1998, some students tried to reestablish the Literary Society, but their efforts failed due to lack of interest.

In order to ensure the success of this year's group, members say they are looking for underclassmen to take part in the group and the events it sponsors. These future events will include author readings as well as creative writing workshops for poetry and short stories, and also a multitude of other opportunities for reading and sharing literature co-sponsored by the English department.

The group's members are very excited to be hosting events and bringing many new outlets for creative writing to campus, as well as making it easier for those interested in literature to hear speakers on the topic. One such opportunity is rapidly approaching and should capture the attention of budding authors. Gary Lawless, a former professor of creative writing at Bates, is now the owner of Gulf of Maine Books on Maine Street and has written some of his own works. He will be giving a reading on Wednesday, November 15 at 4:40 p.m. in Searles 315. The reading will be co-sponsored by the English department and the Bowdoin Literary Society. The Literary Society is filling a much-needed space in campus life by supporting talented writers. It also enables those of us who adore literature but cannot write a poem to save our lives (myself, for example) to hear the beautiful words of both famous writers and gifted fellow students. Look for upcoming Literary Society gatherings; they will be a great opportunity to see talent in its best form-in person.

The literary society. Clockwise from top-left: Daud Munir, Jared Hickman, Ajay Rao, P.J. Prest, Kelly Kerney, Laura Newman. Not pictured: Kate Waller, Larisa Reznik, Dane Unruh. (Kate Maselli/Bowdoin Orient)