"Glass Jaw"

Author:
Tolchinsky, Raisa, Creative Writing - Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia
Advisors:
Petrosino, Kiki, University of Virginia
Spaar, Lisa, University of Virginia
Dove, Rita, AS-Creative Writing, University of Virginia
Abstract:

This manuscript centers the world of women's boxing, based on the author’s time training as a fighter in New York City. The opening section, "Diatribe on Women Gladiators," situates the reader within the dynamic context of the boxing gym. The second section, "here this hollow space," is a Dantean reimagining of the boxing ring, following one woman boxer as she descends into the hellish "rings" of an abusive relationship with her coach. As we count-down from 34 to 1, stuttering at times, the speaker gets closer and close to the heart of her "passionate, lonely, punishing, and transformative" journey. This manuscript is an ecstatic long poem, a spiritual quest, and an illness narrative.

Degree:
MFA (Master of Fine Arts)
Keywords:
boxing, poetry, Dante, anorexia
Language:
English
Rights:
All rights reserved (no additional license for public reuse)
Issued Date:
2022/04/22