The early poetry of Hart Crane is presented and analyzed. Crane’s self-characterization as a visionary, Romantic, and erotic poet, as well as the unique nature of his poetic project are considered as responses to Eliot's Waste Land and in particular the section "Death by Water." The poems "Legend," "Voyages," and "At Melville's Tomb" are read with particular attention to Crane's idiosyncratic use of language and neologism.   Reading assignment: Hart Crane: The Bridge (I-III) Resources Handout 8: Hart Crane [PDF] Section Activity: Hart Crane [PDF]