A. E. Housman
A.E. Housman: Poet of Melancholy and Wit
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Alfred Edward Housman (1859-1936) is more commonly known as A.E. Housman.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on March 26, 1859, in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, England; died on April 30, 1936, in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Housman was a British poet, scholar, and classicist. His works are renowned for their introspective and melancholic tone, often reflecting his experiences as a soldier during World War I.
Early Life
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Housman's early life was marked by a passion for classical literature and poetry. As the eldest of seven children, he grew up in a family that valued education. At the age of 11, he entered King Edward's School in Birmingham, where he developed a love for Latin and Greek.
After completing his studies at King Edward's, Housman went on to attend St John's College, Oxford. However, he did not graduate with honors, which would become a recurring theme throughout his life. Despite this setback, Housman continued to pursue his academic interests and began working as a tutor in Classics.
Major Accomplishments
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Housman's most significant accomplishments include:
The Shropshire Lad: A collection of poems published in 1896, which established him as a prominent poet.
A Shropshire Lad's immense popularity can be attributed to its poignant and introspective portrayal of rural life, love, and loss. The poems are infused with Housman's signature melancholy and wit.
Last Poems: A collection published in 1922, which solidified his reputation as a master poet.Notable Works or Actions
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Housman's notable works include:
The Collected Poems of A.E. Housman: A comprehensive collection that showcases his poetic range and mastery.
A Shropshire Lad's enduring popularity has inspired numerous adaptations, including a 1968 film starring Albert Finney.Impact and Legacy
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Housman's impact on literature is profound:
His poetry has influenced generations of writers, including notable figures like Philip Larkin and Ted Hughes.
Housman's unique voice and perspective have made him one of the most quoted poets in the English language.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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A.E. Housman's quotes are often sought after due to their:
Timeless relevance: His poems tackle universal themes like love, loss, and mortality.
* Poetic mastery: Housman's use of language is both evocative and accessible, making his work appealing to readers from diverse backgrounds.
In conclusion, A.E. Housman was a British poet, scholar, and classicist whose works continue to captivate readers with their poignant and introspective portrayal of life. His legacy as one of the most quoted poets in English literature is a testament to the enduring power of his poetry.
Quotes by A. E. Housman
A. E. Housman's insights on:
Even when poetry has a meaning, as it usually has, it may be inadvisable to draw it out... Perfect understanding will sometimes almost extinguish pleasure.
Could man be drunk for ever With liquor, love, or fights, Lief should I rouse at morning And lief lie down of nights. But men at whiles are sober And think by fits and starts, And if they think, they fasten Their hands upon their hearts.
Even when poetry has a meaning, as it usually has, it may be inadvisable to draw it out. Perfect understanding will sometimes almost extinguish pleasure.
