In the essay below, Calverley argues that "Snow," "Tennis," "Unbroken Lineage," and "Butterfly Bones" form a sonnet sequence and that Avison's purpose is a celebration of "the liberating force of traditional patterns."

In the following essay, Calverly provides a detailed reading of "Dispersed Titles."

New is a Canadian educator, critic, and poet. In the essay below, he discusses theme and style in Avison's poetry, focusing on ambiguity, identity, sense, and perception.

In the following essay, Kertzer examines language and meaning in Avison's poetry.

In the following essay, Zichy examines style and imagery in several of Avison's poems, focusing on the relationship between confinement and liberation.

Bowering is a Canadian poet, novelist, short story writer, and critic. In the following essay, he discusses theme and the image of Christ and the artist presented in Avison's poetry.

In the essay below, Zezulka provides a thematic analysis of "Dispersed Titles," noting Avison's concern with nature, modern technology, and humankind's place in the world.

In the following essay, Doerksen focuses on religious and spiritual themes in Avison's work, which he describes as a poetry of "spiritual quest and discovery."

In the following essay, Wilson surveys Avison's poetry, remarking on the poet's themes and style and noting her interest in space and perspective.

In the essay below, Kertzer provides a thematic analysis of "The Agnes Cleves Papers," focusing on the protagonist's search for meaning.

In the essay below, Avison discusses poetry writing, focusing on language, form, and religion.

Smith was a Canadian educator and poet. Below, he offers a favorable review of Winter Sun, concluding: "rarely has a poet so compactly and richly identified sensation and thought."

Ghiselin is an American educator, poet, essayist, and critic. Below, he reviews Five Poems—a collection of poems that were first published in Poetry in September, 1947—commenting on theme and execution.

In the following review of Selected Poems, Bowering remarks on Avison's place in Canadian literature and the subjects of her poetry.

Garebian is a Canadian educator and critic. In the following excerpt, he favorably reviews Winter Sun/The Dumbfounding: Poems 1940–1966.

In the excerpt below, Lenhart suggests similarities between Avison's work and that of the 17th-century metaphysical and meditational poets.