Whoa whoa whoa. Everybody's entitled to like whatever art they like. One does not necessarily have to have an "aesthetic" to decide that they don't like a piece of literature. It's clear you like this Dean guy - fine; but you asked for opinions, got them, and now are trying to force people to defend their opinion. Here: why don't you defend your poet? Why don't you quote the "vivid images" "startling, melodious, hypnotic language" ? Rather than try to pin the critics and question the basis of their dismissal, rise to the challenge and give the evidence your poet provides that makes him worthy of the praise you give him. cuppajoe's correct in his assessment as to the tactics you're using, so answer his criticism with evidence from the poem. He already made clear the basis of his judgment by comparing and contrasting a comparable poet.