The making of
classifications by literary historians can be a somewhat risky enterprise. When
Black poets are discussed separately as a group, for instance, the extent to
which their work reflects the development of poetry in general should not be
forgotten, or a distortion of literary history may result. This reminder is
particularly relevant in an assessment of the differences between Black poets at
the turn of last century (1900—1909) and those of the generation of’ the 1920s.
These differences include the bolder and more forthright speech of the later
generation and its technical inventiveness. It should be remembered, though,
that comparable differences ’also existed for similar generations of White
poets. When poets of the 1910s and 1920s are considered
together, however, the distinctions that literary historians might make between
"conservative" and "experimental" would be of little significance in a
A. Sarcastic. B. Indifferent. C. Cautious. D. Critical.