William Stafford
Biography of William Stafford
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: William Edgar Stafford
Common Aliases: William Stafford, Bill Stafford
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: January 17, 1914
Death Date: August 28, 1993
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Poet, Writer, Educator
Early Life and Background
William Edgar Stafford was born on January 17, 1914, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Growing up during the Great Depression, Stafford's early life was marked by economic hardship, which instilled in him a deep sense of resilience and introspection. His family moved frequently, and these experiences of displacement and adaptation would later influence his poetic voice. Stafford's upbringing in the American Midwest, with its vast landscapes and quiet towns, provided a rich tapestry of imagery that would permeate his work.
Stafford attended the University of Kansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1937. His education was interrupted by World War II, during which he served as a conscientious objector. This decision was a testament to his pacifist beliefs and would later inform much of his writing. During the war, he worked in civilian public service camps, an experience that deepened his understanding of human nature and the complexities of moral choices.
Major Accomplishments
William Stafford's literary career is distinguished by his prolific output and the recognition he received for his contributions to American poetry. In 1963, he published his first major collection, "Traveling Through the Dark," which won the National Book Award for Poetry in 1963. This collection established Stafford as a significant voice in contemporary poetry, known for his plainspoken yet profound style.
Throughout his career, Stafford published over 60 volumes of poetry and prose, earning numerous accolades, including the Shelley Memorial Award and the Western States Book Award. He served as the Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, a position now known as the U.S. Poet Laureate, from 1970 to 1971. His tenure in this role further solidified his influence on American literature.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Stafford's most notable works is the poem "Traveling Through the Dark," which exemplifies his ability to blend narrative simplicity with deep philosophical inquiry. The poem's exploration of ethical dilemmas and the human relationship with nature resonates with readers and remains a staple in poetry anthologies.
Another significant work is "The Way It Is," a collection that showcases Stafford's meditative approach to writing and his commitment to daily creativity. His poems often reflect a deep engagement with the natural world, personal introspection, and a quest for understanding the human condition.
Stafford's dedication to teaching and mentoring young poets is also noteworthy. He spent much of his career as a professor at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where he inspired countless students with his gentle guidance and encouragement to find their own voices.
Impact and Legacy
William Stafford's impact on American poetry is profound and enduring. His work is characterized by its accessibility, clarity, and moral depth, qualities that have endeared him to readers across generations. Stafford's commitment to writing every day, regardless of circumstance, has inspired many writers to adopt a similar discipline.
His legacy is preserved through the William Stafford Archives at Lewis & Clark College, which houses his manuscripts, correspondence, and other personal papers. The annual William Stafford Poetry and Essay Contest continues to honor his contributions by encouraging new generations of writers to explore themes of peace, nature, and humanity.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
William Stafford is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to capture the essence of human experience with simplicity and grace. His poems often contain lines that resonate with universal truths, making them memorable and frequently cited. Stafford's reflections on nature, ethics, and the human spirit offer insights that transcend time and place, appealing to readers seeking wisdom and solace.
His belief in the power of poetry to foster understanding and connection is evident in his work, which continues to inspire and challenge readers to see the world with fresh eyes. Stafford's legacy as a poet of conscience and compassion ensures that his words remain relevant and cherished in the literary canon.
Quotes by William Stafford
William Stafford's insights on:
You shouldn't have standards that inhibit you from writing It really doesn't make any difference if you are good or bad today. The assessment of the product is something that happens after you've done it.
When a goat likes a book, the whole book is gone, and the meaning has to go find an author again.
Can injustice one way be corrected without the interim reaction that tries to impose injustice the other way?
All still when summer is over stand shocks in the field, nothing left to whisper, not even good-bye, to the wind. After summer was over we knew winter would come: we knew silence would wait, tall, patient calm.
I heard a bird congratulating itself all day for being a jay. Nobody cared. But it was glad all over again, and said so, again.
Others may be able to accept standards from another, but an artist is a person who decides.
What you have to do as a writer is . . . write day in and day out no matter what happens.
It is this impulse to change the quality of experience that I recognize as central to creation. . . . Out of all that could be done, you choose one thing. What that one thing is, nothing else can tell you--you come at it over unmarked snow.