Mary Karr Research Paper

The concept of perseverance, which can be best defined as the continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, is sacred to the poetry of Mary Karr (Merriam-Webster). The American poet is known for her dark themed poems which can be linked to her childhood as it reflects the person and the writer she is today. In America, many people suffer from mental illness; Karr uses poetry to help her cope but is also a help many others. Instead of letting the illness consume herself, she utilizes her American voice as an advantage. She expresses her voice through her poems, “The Burning Girl”, “Requiem for the New Year”, and “The Blessed Mother Complains to the Lord Her God on the Abundance of Brokenness She Receives”. Though Karr suffered through traumatic experiences, she persevered and created beautiful poems to tell her story. Being immersed in religious feelings to help guide her in adulthood, she converted to Catholicism, which helped her become reborn.

She also incorporates her involved of Catholicism by making religious references in her poetry (Kornbluth, Jesse). To demonstrate, ”She begs me for comfort since my own son / was worse tortured. Justice, / they wail for - mercy? / Each prostrate body I hold my arms out for / is a cross my son is nailed to” (Karr, Mary 19-23). Relating to her mother’s episode, she calls out for help from God, but God has gone through much worse. This helps Mary try to get through her tough times since God is telling her she can get through it. Religion has pushed Karr to become successful in recovering from her formidable childhood and an alcohol-obsessed adulthood. From touching upon religion, conquering depression and other mental illnesses can be done, which Mary Karr continuously