"The Anxiety of Influence: A Theory of Poetry" by Harold Bloom explores the complex relationship between poets and their predecessors. Bloom argues that poets are influenced by earlier works, leading to a sense of anxiety as they seek to establish their own voice in a literary tradition. This struggle creates a dynamic where each poet must confront and reinterpret the influence of those who came before them, leading to a cycle of creative tension.
The book introduces Bloom's concept of "strong misreading," where poets reinterpret existing works in a way that both honors and challenges their influences. This process is essential for originality, as it allows poets to engage with the past while forging their own identity. Bloom highlights the importance of this struggle in the development of poetic innovation and excellence.