Literary Leaders

GAMBIER, Ohio (November 4, 2010)

The Kenyon Review Literary Festival this weekend reminds Kenyon Review associates of their role as student leaders beyond the walls of Finn House.

Pulling associates away from reading writer submissions, the literary festival is an opportunity to experience firsthand the literary world in action. The festival begins Thursday and Kenyon Review associates have already revved up the campus for the busy schedule of events. Kate Kremer '11 of Shoreline, Washington, said, "What I most enjoy about the literary festival is the sense of connection and community that it inspires."

The first signs of lurking associates began early last week as it became difficult to open doors without encountering a poem by W.S. Merwin, poet laureate of the United States. Merwin is being celebrated this year, and his poetry could be found behind bathroom stall doors, decorating various cubicles in the library, and even hiding next to bagels in Peirce Hall. Associates have more activities ahead. Some have organized the student-led discussion on Merwin's book The Shadow of Sirius. Volunteers will participate at the Empty Bowls Dinner benefitting Knox County's Food for the Hungry organization or at the literary magazine and book sale.

Aside from leading the Kenyon community through the literary festival, the Kenyon Review associates are also some of the students most excited to simply participate in events. "On the big scale, the festival links Gambier with a larger community, since Kenyon becomes the grand finale of a celebration that starts in New York earlier in the week," Kremer said. "And of course we are honored by the presence of writers whose audiences are worldwide."

Art exhibits inspired by Merwin's poetry and discussions linking Merwin, Zen Buddhism and nature at Kenyon are just some of the events sparking particular interest among associates. They also, of course, know their participation means they get the chance to attend a small session with Merwin and share questions and answers!

By Cate Flanagan '11 of New York City