CONFESSIONAL

Confessional Poetry began as one of many artistic movements in post-war twentieth-century America. Its most fundamental aspect is blatant autobiographical content, which often manifests as self-deprecation. It frequently deals with taboo topics such as sex, addiction, mental health and familial relationships. A Confessional Poet?s emotional authenticity draws on personal experiences and real situations, giving ?negative? emotions?fear, anger, sadness, impotence?the attention and artistic relevance traditionally reserved for ?positive? emotions. Where sonnets are often associated with love, and epics ultimately celebrate strength, Confessional Poetry exposes and intimately handles private, human pains.