Abstract:
This thesis examines recurring themes in spoken word performance poetry, artists’
displays and narratives of self (public selves), and their descriptions of society.
Specifically the research seeks to answer the following questions: What themes emerge
overall in spoken word performance poetry? How often do artists make self the topic in
poems? What types of public selves are exhibited or described by performers and which
social problems/topics are these selves connected to? Data, with the exception of one
open mic that took place in New York, were collected in the Washington Metropolitan
Area during 2009 using the following methods: seven participant observations of open
mics, three participant observations of two professional spoken word artists, two in-depth
interviews and two diary entries. Criteria for inclusion in the study was based on the age
of individuals, the requirements included being 18 years of age or older and participation
in the spoken word community as performers at public events.
