Archibald MacLeish
Archibald MacLeish: A Life of Poetry, Politics, and Passion
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Archibald MacLeish was born on May 7, 1892, in Glencoe, Illinois. His full name is often seen as Archibald MacLeish, but he was also known by his pen name, Archy.
Birth and Death Dates
May 7, 1892 - April 20, 1982
Nationality and Profession(s)
MacLeish was an American poet, playwright, and statesman. He served as the Librarian of Congress from 1939 to 1944 and played a significant role in shaping America's cultural identity during World War II.
Early Life and Background
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Born into a Scottish-American family, MacLeish grew up surrounded by the rugged beauty of the American Midwest. His early life was marked by a love for nature, poetry, and learning. He spent much of his childhood outdoors, exploring the woods and creeks near his home in Glencoe.
MacLeish's education began at Princeton University, where he studied literature and philosophy. However, it was during his time at Harvard University that he developed a passion for writing. His first published poem, "Songs for a New Age," appeared in 1915 when MacLeish was just 23 years old.
Major Accomplishments
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MacLeish's career spanned over five decades and encompassed numerous achievements:
He served as the Poet Laureate of Massachusetts from 1957 to 1962, a position that allowed him to promote American poetry and literature.
MacLeish played a significant role in shaping America's cultural identity during World War II. His poetry and writings were widely read and admired by both soldiers and civilians, providing comfort and inspiration during a time of great uncertainty.
He was appointed as the Librarian of Congress from 1939 to 1944, where he worked tirelessly to promote American literature and culture.Notable Works or Actions
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MacLeish's poetry is known for its lyricism, depth, and exploration of themes such as nature, war, and humanity. Some of his most notable works include:
"Conquistador" (1932) - a collection of poems that explores the theme of discovery and exploration.
* "Land of the Free" (1941) - a poem that celebrates America's values and ideals.
MacLeish was also a playwright and his most famous play is "J.B.", which premiered in 1958. The play tells the story of Job from the Book of Genesis, exploring themes of faith, doubt, and redemption.
Impact and Legacy
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Archibald MacLeish's impact on American literature and culture cannot be overstated. His poetry, plays, and writings continue to inspire and influence generations of writers, artists, and thinkers. He was a true visionary who used his talents to promote American values, ideals, and culture.
MacLeish's legacy extends beyond his literary works. As the Librarian of Congress, he played a significant role in shaping America's cultural identity during World War II. His commitment to promoting American literature and culture continues to inspire new generations of writers, artists, and thinkers.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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MacLeish is widely quoted and remembered for his powerful poetry and writings. His words continue to resonate with readers around the world:
> "A poem should not mean / But be." - Archibald MacLeish
This quote highlights MacLeish's commitment to using language in a way that transcends mere meaning, embracing the beauty, power, and emotion of words.
As we reflect on Archibald MacLeish's life and legacy, it is clear that he was a true artist, statesman, and visionary. His poetry, plays, and writings continue to inspire us today, reminding us of the transformative power of language and art.
Quotes by Archibald MacLeish
Archibald MacLeish's insights on:
What is freedom? Freedom is the right to choose: the right to create for oneself the alternatives of choice.
Democracy is never a thing done. Democracy is always something that a nation must be doing. What is necessary now is one thing and one thing only that democracy become again democracy in action, not democracy accomplished and piled up in goods and gold.
To see the Earth as it truly is, small and blue and beautiful in that eternal silence where it floats, is to see ourselves as riders on the Earth together, brothers on that bright loveliness in the eternal cold – brothers who know now they are truly brothers.
Keepers of books, keepers of print and paper on the shelves, librarians are keepers also of the records of the human spiritthe records of men’s watch upon the world and on themselves.
Piety’s hard enough to take among the poor who have to practice it. A rich man’s piety stinks. It’s insufferable.
A real writer learns from earlier writers the way a boy learns from an apple orchard – by stealing what he has a taste for, and can carry off.
What once was cuddled must learn to kiss, The cold worm’s mouth. That’s all the mystery.
The map of America is a map of endlessness, of opening out, of forever and ever. No man’s face would make you think of it but his hope might, his courage might.
The one man who should never attempt an explanation of a poem is its author. If the poem can be improved by it’s author’s explanations it never should have been published, and if the poem cannot be improved by its author’s explanations the explanations are scarcely worth reading.