Meaning: Thom Gunn's quote refers to a specific event from the 1960s, where he attended a benefit for imprisoned students at San Francisco State University. The event featured several poets, including the renowned poet Elizabeth Bishop. This quote provides insight into the cultural and political climate of the 1960s, as well as the intersection of literature and activism during that time.

The 1960s was a tumultuous period in American history, marked by social and political upheaval. The civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the rise of the counterculture all contributed to a sense of activism and rebellion. Universities and colleges became hotbeds of political activity, with students and faculty members engaging in protests and demonstrations to advocate for various causes, including civil rights, anti-war efforts, and academic freedom.

San Francisco State University was no exception to this trend. In the mid-1960s, the campus became a focal point for student activism, particularly around issues of racial equality and educational reform. In 1968, a major student strike took place at San Francisco State, led by the Black Student Union and the Third World Liberation Front. The strike lasted for several months and resulted in significant changes to the university's curriculum and admissions policies, as well as the establishment of the first College of Ethnic Studies in the United States.

The benefit that Thom Gunn attended was likely connected to the broader atmosphere of student activism at San Francisco State during this time. The imprisonment of students could have been related to their involvement in protests or other forms of political dissent. The fact that the benefit was organized to support these imprisoned students suggests a spirit of solidarity and resistance within the literary and artistic community.

Elizabeth Bishop, one of the poets participating in the benefit, was a highly respected and influential figure in American poetry. Known for her precise and evocative language, Bishop's work often explored themes of memory, loss, and the complexities of human experience. Her presence at the benefit speaks to the significance of the event and the cause it supported. By lending her voice and support to the imprisoned students, Bishop aligned herself with the spirit of social and political engagement that characterized the era.

Thom Gunn's recollection of this event offers a glimpse into the ways in which poetry and literature intersected with the sociopolitical currents of the 1960s. The gathering of poets at the benefit underscores the role of artistic expression in advocating for change and solidarity. By coming together to use their creative talents in support of imprisoned students, the poets demonstrated the power of literature as a tool for raising awareness and mobilizing support for social justice causes.

In conclusion, Thom Gunn's quote about the benefit for imprisoned students at San Francisco State in the '60s, featuring Elizabeth Bishop and other poets, illuminates the intertwined nature of literature, activism, and cultural resistance during a pivotal period in American history. The event serves as a testament to the ways in which artists and writers contributed to the spirit of social and political change, using their voices to advocate for justice and solidarity.