Urban fictions of factual representation

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Lívia Szélpál

Abstract

I illustrate the view-changing potentials of poetry in the workplace with an example which can be a truly mesmerizing precedent due to its unexpectedness, improbability, and lyrical inspiration. My paper provides an analysis of Bill Murray’s public reading to physical workers on the construction site of the Poets House in New York. First I concentrate on the role of Murray’s self-irony which is meant to handle the tension between the two different spheres (poetry and physical work). Then I reveal the moments of inspiration in which poetry reading noticeably affects both the performer and audience members. Finally, I emphasize the importance of Murray’s applicative ending of the event, which provides interpretative comments and also manages to activate the audience members.

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How to Cite
Szélpál, Lívia. 2018. “Urban Fictions of Factual Representation”. AMERICANA E-Journal of American Studies in Hungary 14 (1). https://www.americanaejournal.hu/index.php/americanaejournal/article/view/45043.
Section
Essays
Author Biography

Lívia Szélpál, American Studies and History at the University of Szeged; Institute of English Studies, University of Pécs

Lívia Szélpál completed her MA in American Studies and History at the University of Szeged and earned a PhD at Central European University in Comparative History of Central, Southeastern and Eastern Europe. Currently she is assistant lecturer at the Institute of English Studies, University of Pécs (PTE). Her research interests include the history (including the unconventional histories) of the USA, the issue of history on film, urban history, modern and contemporary American culture. Email: szelpal.livia@pte.hu

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