Amy Lowell
Amy Lowell: A Prolific Poet and Literary Icon
Full Name and Common Aliases
Amy Lawrence Lowell was born on February 9, 1874, in Brookline, Massachusetts. She is often referred to as a poet and critic.
Birth and Death Dates
February 9, 1874 – May 12, 1925
Nationality and Profession(s)
Lowell was an American poet, critic, and playwright. Her work spanned various literary styles, including Imagism and free verse.
Early Life and Background
Amy Lowell grew up in a family of significant wealth and social standing. Her father, Augustus Lowell, was a financier and philanthropist. Amy's early life was marked by a strict upbringing, with an emphasis on traditional feminine roles. However, she demonstrated a keen interest in literature from an early age.
Lowell attended various schools, including the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts and the New York Academy of Art. She initially pursued a career as an artist but eventually turned to writing poetry. This decision was likely influenced by her desire for creative expression and independence.
Major Accomplishments
Amy Lowell's literary career flourished in the early 20th century. Her work was characterized by its innovative style, which drew on traditional forms while incorporating elements of free verse and Imagism. She became a leading figure in the Imagist movement, alongside poets like H.D. (Hilda Doolittle) and Pound.
Some of Lowell's most notable works include:
"Fable for England" (1915)
"Men, Women and Ghosts" (1914)
* "Sword Blades and Poppy Seeds" (1914)
Lowell was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1926, a year after her death. Her work had a significant impact on American poetry, influencing generations of writers.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to her poetry collections, Lowell wrote several plays and essays. One notable example is her collection "Figures of Several Choruses" (1916), which explores the relationship between music and literature.
Lowell's literary circle was known for its lively discussions and debates about poetry and art. She was a close friend and correspondent of many prominent writers, including W.E.B. Du Bois and John Reed.
Impact and Legacy
Amy Lowell's work continues to be celebrated for its innovative style and its exploration of themes such as love, nature, and social justice. Her legacy extends beyond her poetry, influencing the development of American literature in the 20th century.
Lowell's impact on modernist poetry cannot be overstated. Her use of free verse and Imagism paved the way for later poets like T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound. Her work also reflects a deep engagement with social issues, such as women's rights and racial equality.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Amy Lowell is remembered for her groundbreaking poetry and her significant contributions to American literature. Her innovative style and exploration of themes continue to inspire writers today.
Lowell's legacy extends beyond her literary achievements. She was a trailblazer for women in the arts, using her platform to advocate for greater opportunities and recognition for female writers.
Quotes by Amy Lowell
Amy Lowell's insights on:
Today to the end of the marvelous stair, / Where those glittering pinnacles flash in the air! / Climbing, climbing, higher I go, / With the sky close above me, the earth far below.
How beautiful is the mottled corn, / Like the sky with little clouds, / I eat it looking at the sky. / Very beautiful, my mottled corn.
How beautiful is the black corn, / I give it to my father, / To my mother, / I give it to my child. / Very beautiful, the black corn.
How beautiful is the red corn, / I gather it and make fine meal, / I am glad doing this. / Very beautiful, my red corn.
How beautiful is the white corn, / I husk it, / I grind it. / Very beautiful, my white corn.
How beautiful are the corn rows, / Stretching to the morning sun, / Stretching to the evening sun. / Very beautiful, the long rows of corn.
Tommy's leaden soldiers we, / Glittering with efficiency. / Not a button's out of place, / Tons and tons of golden lace / Wind about our officers.
And the softness of my body will be guarded from embrace. / By each button , hook, and lace.
Laughing, dancing, sunny wind, / Whistling, howling, rainy wind, / North, South, East and West, / Each is the wind I like the best.
