Donovan Hufnagle
Published: 2018-03-31
Total Pages: 148
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Influenced by poetry such as Testimony by Charles Reznikoff andPaterson by William Carlos Williams, The Sunshine Special by Donovan Hufnagle uses nonliterary documents such as journals, letters, and newspaper articles to interrupt and "negotiate" with his original verse. The poetic narrative follows a traveling eighteen-year-old in the summer of 1920 from Fort Worth to Los Angeles. Francis's exploration of new frontiers is also his exploration into his own internal struggles with family and manhood. In his journal entries, he comments on landscapes, vegetation, and relationships as well as discovers his one and only true love. As Francis explores new areas, eventually exploring Los Angeles, and falling in love, he finds himself wanting and willing to permanently move away from the family. However, interrupting the verse are letters from his sister that juxtapose his pleasure and encourage him to return home.