Step 1: Google “bluets cornflower” & Joan Mitchell’s painting (Links to an external site.) “Les Bluets”
Step 2: Write a well developed paragraph (10-14 sentences) to explain how the experimental painting of the
real floral inspiration is parallel with Maggie Nelson’s experimental form. Connect painting with 2 of Maggie
Nelson’s propositions. Consider: 1) negative space in painting v. negative space in writing; 2) the meaning and
value of each blue blob in singularity v. what they mean as an entire collage; 3) you are welcome to come up
with your own ideas too. Does the content control the structure (new form: partially leans on and blends
preexisting genres)? -OR- Does the structure control the content (new genre: full experimental writing)?
Evaluate the “Power Dynamic” of “text and readership”: What does it mean if readers are attracted to Nelson’s
experimental style =vs= what does it mean if readers long for the traditional linear narrative arch (problem,
rising action, climax, falling action, resolution) because they’re unsettled (reject) by Bluets’ new form and
content?
Step 1: Read Lydia Davis’s “Les Bluets (Links to an external site.)”
Step 2: Write a well developed paragraph (10-14 sentences) to unpack how Lydia Davis’s article helps you
unfold, unpack, and understand 2 of Maggie Nelson’s propositions. Use Lydia Davis’s analysis as a critical
lens, as a tool, to aid your analysis of Nelson. Does the content control the structure (new form: partially leans
on and blends preexisting genres)? -OR- Does the structure control the content (new genre: full experimental
writing)? *prop #145 is one of them
Step 1: Listen to Joni Mitchell’s entire “Blue. (Links to an external site.)”
Step 2: Write a well developed paragraph (10-14 sentences) to connect 1 song from her album with 2 of
Maggie Nelson’s propositions. How does Mitchell’s lyrics fuel Nelson’s speaker’s obsessions? Ideally, the ones
where she directly mentions Joni Mitchell (I think there are at least 6 props), but you are welcome to write
about any propositions. Does the content control the structure (new form: partially leans on and blends
preexisting genres)? -OR- Does the structure control the content (new genre: full experimental writing)?