James Merrill

#### Full Name and Common Aliases
James Ingram Merrill was born on March 3, 1926, in New York City. He is often referred to as Jim.

#### Birth and Death Dates
March 3, 1926 - August 6, 1995

#### Nationality and Profession(s)
American poet, playwright, librettist, essayist, and critic.

Early Life and Background

Merrill was born into a wealthy family. His father, Charles E. Merrill, co-founded the investment firm of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith. James's mother, Charlotte Murray, was a socialite from a prominent family. He had two siblings, David and Ellen. From an early age, Merrill demonstrated a keen interest in language and literature.

During his childhood, Merrill spent summers at his family's estate on the coast of Maine. These experiences would later influence his poetry, which often explored themes of nature, identity, and spirituality.

Merrill attended the Chapin School in New York City before enrolling in the private Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. He graduated from Millsaps in 1946 and went on to study at Harvard University, where he developed a passion for classical poetry and began to write his own verse.

Major Accomplishments

Merrill's first collection of poems, _Reflections in Verse and Prose_, was published in 1954. However, it was not until the publication of _The Fire Screen_ (1965) that he gained widespread recognition as a poet. This work showcased his unique style, which blended elements of modernism with classical forms.

Throughout his career, Merrill continued to produce outstanding poetry collections, including _Water Street_ (1962), _Mirabell: Books of Number_ (1978), and _A Scattering of Photographs_ (1982). His writing often explored themes of identity, spirituality, and the human condition.

Notable Works or Actions

Merrill's most celebrated work is arguably his long poem _Divine Comedies_. This trilogy, which consists of _The Changing Light at Sandover_ (1965), _Mirabell: Books of Number_ (1978), and _Scripts for the Pageant and the Theatre_ (1987), explores themes of spirituality, identity, and the nature of reality. The poems were influenced by Merrill's experiences with a ouija board in his youth.

Impact and Legacy

James Merrill was a respected figure in American literature. He was awarded numerous honors, including the Bollingen Prize for Poetry, the National Book Award, and the Pulitzer Prize. His work has been widely praised for its lyricism, intellectual depth, and innovative style.

Merrill's poetry continues to be studied and admired by scholars and readers today. His exploration of complex themes and his use of classical forms have had a lasting impact on American literature.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

James Merrill is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:

Intellectual depth: Merrill's poetry explores complex themes, such as spirituality, identity, and the nature of reality. His writing is characterized by its lyricism, intellectual depth, and innovative style.
Influence on American literature: Merrill's work has had a lasting impact on American literature. He was a respected figure in his field, and his poetry continues to be studied and admired today.
* Unique style: Merrill's poetry blended elements of modernism with classical forms. This unique style has influenced generations of poets and writers.

Overall, James Merrill is remembered as one of the most innovative and celebrated American poets of his generation. His work continues to inspire readers and scholars alike.