Interview: Professor Derek Walcott is introduced by Dean John Eadie and Professor Diane Wakoski. Wakoski compares the originality and beauty of Walcott's poetry to that of Walt Whitman. Derek Walcott talks about his epic poem, Omeros (1990) and his decision to write it in English. He reassures the audience that it was not his intention to attempt a recreation of Homer’s great epics The Illiad or The Odyssey, though they are alluded to in Omeros, and he shows that the characters and places in his poem are actual names and references that exist in the Caribbean culture. Walcott's connection with nature becomes evident as he reads about the beauty he finds on the island of St. Lucia. He briefly describes the structure he chose for Omeros and how it is a tribute to that of the classic epics. Questions from the audience lead Walcott to discuss his own movement between creating poetry and writing for the theatre, explaining the similarities between the two literary forms. He also addresses the current and future state of the Caribbean islands. Many of the audience’s questions pertain to Walcott's poetry, including, his advice to young poets and questions regarding the structure of his poetry. Walcott concludes his lecture by discussing the culture and literature of the Americas, Homeric translation, and music.