Marge Piercy
Biography of Marge Piercy
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Marge Piercy
Common Aliases: None
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: March 31, 1936
Death Date: N/A
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Poet, Novelist, Social Activist
Early Life and Background
Marge Piercy was born on March 31, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, into a working-class family. Her early life was marked by the economic struggles of the Great Depression, which deeply influenced her worldview and later writings. Piercy's mother, Bert Bernice Bunnin, was a homemaker, while her father, Robert Douglas Piercy, worked as a machinist. Growing up in a Jewish household, Piercy was exposed to the rich cultural and religious traditions that would later permeate her work.
Piercy's academic journey began at the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957. Her time at the university was transformative, as she became involved in political activism and began to hone her skills as a writer. She later pursued graduate studies at Northwestern University, further solidifying her commitment to both literature and social justice.
Major Accomplishments
Marge Piercy's career is distinguished by her prolific output and her unwavering commitment to social and political causes. She has published over 20 volumes of poetry and 17 novels, making her one of the most versatile and enduring voices in contemporary American literature. Her work often explores themes of feminism, environmentalism, and social justice, reflecting her deep engagement with the issues of her time.
Piercy's poetry has been recognized for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty, earning her numerous accolades, including the Golden Rose Award and the Carolyn Kizer Poetry Prize. Her novels, such as "Woman on the Edge of Time" and "He, She and It," have been celebrated for their imaginative narratives and incisive social commentary.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Marge Piercy's most notable works is her novel "Woman on the Edge of Time," published in 1976. This groundbreaking work of speculative fiction explores themes of gender, power, and utopian possibilities, and is considered a seminal text in feminist literature. Another significant novel, "He, She and It," delves into the complexities of identity and technology, earning the Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Science Fiction Novel in 1993.
Piercy's poetry collections, such as "The Moon is Always Female" and "Circles on the Water," showcase her ability to weave personal and political themes into compelling verse. Her poem "To Be of Use" is particularly celebrated for its tribute to the dignity of labor and the value of meaningful work.
Impact and Legacy
Marge Piercy's impact extends beyond her literary achievements. As a committed social activist, she has been involved in movements for civil rights, women's liberation, and environmental justice. Her work has inspired generations of readers and activists, offering both a critique of societal injustices and a vision of hope and possibility.
Piercy's legacy is also evident in her influence on contemporary feminist thought and literature. Her exploration of gender dynamics and her advocacy for women's rights have made her a pivotal figure in the feminist movement. Her writings continue to resonate with those seeking to understand and challenge the status quo.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Marge Piercy is widely quoted and remembered for her ability to articulate the struggles and aspirations of marginalized communities. Her work captures the complexities of human experience, blending personal narrative with broader social critique. Piercy's quotes often reflect her commitment to justice, equality, and the transformative power of art.
Her poignant observations on life, work, and activism have made her a source of inspiration for many. Whether through her evocative poetry or her thought-provoking novels, Piercy's words continue to challenge and inspire, making her a lasting voice in both literature and social discourse.
Quotes by Marge Piercy
Marge Piercy's insights on:
Sometimes when a character in a novel is difficult for me to enter, I sue something in myself or in my own life as a doorway into that character’s mind and emotions.
All day you have been on my mind, a steam iron pressing the convolutions from my cortex, ironing me flat. Worrying cooks my cells feverish. I am irritable with love boiling into anxiety, till I grow furious with you, lying under the surgeon’s knife.
Those of your time who fought hard for change, often they had myths that a revolution was inevitable. But nothing is! All things interlock. We are only one possible future.
I don’t even remember what Mother and I quarreled about: it is a continual quarrel that began when I reached puberty.
We lie in each other’s arms eyes shut and fingers open and all the colors of the world pass through our bodies like strings of fire.
Every poet has a certain amount of “stuff.” That’s what you draw from for imagery. The more stuff you know well, not simply intellectually but sensually, emotionally, intimately, the wider the pool from which you draw.
I’m probably the only novelist who has ever written about political fugitives who actually knew a lot about them, had contact with them, and had a realistic notion of how they survived.
The ruling class isn’t dissatisfied: they are healthy, well-fed, live in beauty, enjoy their own importance: fun-loving cannibals.
I don’t apologize for being sexually adventurous. Why not? It was often fun. When it wasn’t – I didn’t continue what wasn’t pleasant.
People are very afraid of any controversy. We’ve become very passive spectator types. And when the kids were protesting globilization – quite reasonably – they really got bashed.