Confessional Writing: An Ode to and Act of Reclaiming the Confessional Narrative

Confessional Poetry, initiated by female poets such as Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton, encountered sexist criticism and complaints of “female solipsism,” but artfully revealed private experiences in a manner that made the... [ view full abstract ]

Confessional Poetry, initiated by female poets such as Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton, encountered sexist criticism and complaints of “female solipsism,” but artfully revealed private experiences in a manner that made the personal political. This presentation is an attempt to dissect our own lives in order to better understand the specific and universal experience. Stories are a powerful mechanism through which we can intimately convey social dynamics, positions of power, and the depth and complexity of issues. In coming together on this project, we aim to contribute to a growing body of respect for the confessional narrative, with the understanding that such disclosures can bring about greater inclusivity, empathy, and collective action.