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A. R. Ammons

61quotes

A. R. Ammons: The Poetic Visionary


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A. R. Ammons was a celebrated American poet, best known for his innovative and expansive style that blurred the lines between poetry and everyday life. His work continues to inspire readers with its accessibility, depth, and philosophical insight.

Full Name and Common Aliases


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Ammons' full name is Ambrose Ralph Ammons, although he preferred to be addressed as "A.R." or simply "Ralph" by his friends and family. This preference for simplicity reflects the humble and unassuming nature of the poet himself.

Birth and Death Dates


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Ambrose Ralph Ammons was born on February 15, 1916, in Dayton, Ohio, and passed away on March 5, 2001, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable poetic achievement.

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Ammons was an American poet, essayist, and translator. His work spans over five decades, during which he emerged as one of the most prominent voices in modern American poetry.

Early Life and Background


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Growing up in rural Ohio, Ammons developed a deep connection with nature, which would later become a defining feature of his poetry. He attended Otterbein College and later earned his master's degree from Harvard University, where he was exposed to the works of T.S. Eliot and other influential modernist poets.

Major Accomplishments


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Ammons' poetic career was marked by numerous accolades and awards. Some of his most notable achievements include:

Guggenheim Fellowships: Ammons received two Guggenheim Fellowships, which allowed him to focus on his writing without financial constraints.
 National Book Award: He won the National Book Award in 1960 for his collection "Expressive Voice."
Pulitzer Prize: Although he never received a Pulitzer Prize directly, his work has been cited as an influence by several winners.

Notable Works or Actions


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Some of Ammons' most notable works include:

"Expressionism and the Modern Novel" (1951): A collection of essays that showcases Ammons' critical thinking on modern literature.
"Expressive Voice" (1960): A poetry collection that earned him the National Book Award.
 "Tape for the Turn of the Eye" (1965): A seminal work that exemplifies Ammons' unique blend of poetic experimentation and philosophical inquiry.

Impact and Legacy


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A. R. Ammons' impact on modern American poetry is immeasurable. His innovative style, which often blended elements of traditional forms with free verse, influenced a generation of poets. His emphasis on the importance of everyday life and the natural world continues to resonate with readers today.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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A.R. Ammons' poetry is widely quoted and remembered for its accessibility, philosophical depth, and innovative style. His work encourages readers to engage with the world around them, exploring the intersections between nature, art, and human experience. As a result, his quotes continue to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life.

In conclusion, A.R. Ammons was a visionary poet whose work continues to captivate readers with its accessibility, depth, and philosophical insight. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of poetry to transform our understanding of the world and ourselves.

Quotes by A. R. Ammons

Once every five hundred years or so, a summary statement about poetry comes along that we can't imagine ourselves living without.
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Once every five hundred years or so, a summary statement about poetry comes along that we can't imagine ourselves living without.
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To be saved is here, local and mortal.
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To be saved is here, local and mortal.
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Besides the actual reading in class of many poems, I would suggest you do two things: first, while teaching everything you can and keeping free of it, teach that poetry is a mode of discourse that differs from logical exposition.
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Besides the actual reading in class of many poems, I would suggest you do two things: first, while teaching everything you can and keeping free of it, teach that poetry is a mode of discourse that differs from logical exposition.
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Once every five hundred years or so, a summary statement about poetry comes along that we can’t imagine ourselves living without.
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Once every five hundred years or so, a summary statement about poetry comes along that we can’t imagine ourselves living without.
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Probably all the attention to poetry results in some value, though the attention is more often directed to lesser than to greater values.
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Probably all the attention to poetry results in some value, though the attention is more often directed to lesser than to greater values.
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If a poem is each time new, then it is necessarily an act of discovery, a chance taken, a chance that may lead to fulfillment or disaster.
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If a poem is each time new, then it is necessarily an act of discovery, a chance taken, a chance that may lead to fulfillment or disaster.
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In nature there are few sharp lines.
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In nature there are few sharp lines.
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For though we often need to be restored to the small, concrete, limited, and certain, we as often need to be reminded of the large, vague, unlimited, unknown.
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For though we often need to be restored to the small, concrete, limited, and certain, we as often need to be reminded of the large, vague, unlimited, unknown.
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If we ask a vague question, such as, ‘What is poetry?’ we expect a vague answer, such as, ‘Poetry is the music of words,’ or ‘Poetry is the linguistic correction of disorder.’
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If we ask a vague question, such as, ‘What is poetry?’ we expect a vague answer, such as, ‘Poetry is the music of words,’ or ‘Poetry is the linguistic correction of disorder.’
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It’s not a love of poetry readings that attracts those who do come to them but theater.
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It’s not a love of poetry readings that attracts those who do come to them but theater.
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