Elinor Wylie
Elinor Wylie: A Life of Poetry and Passion
Full Name and Common Aliases
Elinor Wylie was born Mabel Wylie on June 16, 1885, in San Francisco, California. She is commonly referred to as Elinor or Elly.
Birth and Death Dates
June 16, 1885 - February 4, 1928
Nationality and Profession(s)
American poet, novelist, and playwright. Wylie was a prolific writer who explored various genres, from poetry to fiction.
Early Life and Background
Elinor Wylie's early life was marked by tragedy when her mother passed away at a young age. Her father remarried soon after, but this new marriage proved unhappy for Elinor, leading her to feel disconnected from her family. She found solace in books and developed a passion for writing.
Wylie attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied literature and began to hone her craft as a poet. It was during this time that she became interested in the works of the French Symbolists, particularly Charles Baudelaire and Paul Verlaine, whose influence would later be evident in her own writing.
Major Accomplishments
Elinor Wylie's writing career spanned over two decades and included numerous publications. She published several collections of poetry, including _Nets to Catch the Wind_ (1914) and _The Venetian Mask_ (1926). Her work was characterized by its lyricism, sensuality, and exploration of themes such as love, death, and spirituality.
Wylie's fiction writing also received critical acclaim. She published several novels, including _Seven Sapphires_ (1919), which explored the lives of a group of women in a small town. Her writing often featured strong female protagonists who navigated complex social issues.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Wylie's most notable works include:
"Nets to Catch the Wind" (1914) - A collection of poetry that showcases her mastery of language and form.
"The Venetian Mask" (1926) - Another collection of poetry, this one featuring more experimental forms and themes.
* "Seven Sapphires" (1919) - Her first novel, which explores the lives of a group of women in a small town.
Impact and Legacy
Elinor Wylie's impact on literature is significant. She was one of the few female poets of her time to achieve widespread recognition, paving the way for future generations of women writers.
Wylie's work continues to be celebrated for its lyricism, sensuality, and exploration of complex themes. Her poetry has been praised for its technical skill, while her fiction has been commended for its nuanced portrayal of women's lives.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Elinor Wylie is widely quoted and remembered due to the timeless nature of her writing. Her poems and stories continue to resonate with readers today, offering insights into the human experience that remain relevant across generations.
Wylie's unique voice and perspective have made her a beloved figure in literature. Her commitment to exploring complex themes and pushing boundaries has inspired countless writers and artists.
In conclusion, Elinor Wylie was a remarkable poet, novelist, and playwright who left an indelible mark on literature. Her legacy continues to inspire readers and writers alike, ensuring that her work remains a vital part of our cultural heritage.
Quotes by Elinor Wylie
An old earthen pipe like myself is dry and thirsty and so a most voracious drinker of life at its source; I’m no more to be split by the vital stream than if I were stone or steel.
In masks outrageous and austere The years go by in single file; But none has merited my fear, And none has quite escaped my smile.
Peaches grow wild, and pigs can live in clover; A barrel of salted herrings lasts a year; The spring begins before the winter's over.
The winter will be short, the summer long, The autumn amber-hued, sunny and hot, Tasting of cider and of scuppernong; All seasons sweet, but autumn best of all. The squirrels in their silver fur will fall Like falling leaves, like fruit, before your shot.
If you would keep your soul From spotted sight or sound, Live like the velvet mole; Go burrow underground.
I shall lie folded like a saint, Lapped in a scented linen sheet, On a bedstead striped with bright-blue paint, Narrow and cold and neat.
My lord, adjudge my strength, and set me where I bear a little more than I can bear.
An old earthen pipe like myself is dry and thirsty and so a most voracious drinker of life at its source; I'm no more to be split by the vital stream than if I were stone or steel.
I have never cared very deeply about the actual taste of my work. Let its essential odor satisfy my mind and senses, and I am content. I rarely judge by the grosser test of actual gustation ... in cooking, to create a masterpiece for the nose alone - that is exquisite, that is Art!
The bird Imagination, That flies so far, that dies so soon; Her wings are colored like the sun, Her breast is colored like the moon.