Marilyn Hacker
Marilyn Hacker
Full Name and Common Aliases
Marilyn Hacker is a renowned American poet, critic, and translator, best known for her work in the realms of poetry, criticism, and feminism.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on January 22, 1942, in The Bronx, New York, Marilyn Hacker passed away on June 3, 2021.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American poet, critic, translator, and educator.
Early Life and Background
Marilyn Hacker grew up in a working-class family in the Bronx. Her early life was marked by poverty and hardship, which would later influence her writing and advocacy for social justice. She developed an interest in literature at a young age and began writing poetry while still in high school. After completing her education, Hacker moved to Paris in 1961, where she became involved in the city's vibrant literary scene.
Major Accomplishments
Marilyn Hacker is recognized for her contributions to American poetry, particularly in the areas of feminist literature and social justice. She has published numerous collections of poetry, including "A Crack in the Wall" (1975), "Taking Notice" (1989), and "Kinds of Fire" (1993). Her poetry explores themes of identity, politics, and personal relationships. Hacker's work often blends elements of surrealism, realism, and confessionalism, making her a distinctive voice in contemporary American poetry.
Notable Works or Actions
Hacker's notable works include:
"A Crack in the Wall" (1975), which won the National Book Award
"Taking Notice" (1989), which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize
Her translation of French poet Claude Adrien Helen's work, which helped introduce her to a wider audience
Hacker has also been an advocate for women's rights and social justice. She was one of the founding editors of _Partisan Review_ and served as poetry editor at _The Nation_. Her commitment to feminism and politics is evident in her writing, which often addresses issues of identity, power, and social change.
Impact and Legacy
Marilyn Hacker's impact on American poetry and feminist literature is significant. She has inspired generations of poets and writers with her unique voice and style. Her work continues to be widely read and studied today, offering a powerful example of the intersection of politics, poetry, and personal experience. As a leading figure in the literary world, Hacker's legacy extends beyond her own writing to include her tireless advocacy for social justice and her dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable literary landscape.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Marilyn Hacker is widely quoted or remembered due to her:
Pioneering work in feminist poetry, which challenged traditional notions of women's roles and experiences.
Innovative style, blending elements of surrealism, realism, and confessionalism to create a distinctive voice.
Commitment to social justice, using her platform to advocate for women's rights and marginalized communities.
Her impact on American poetry and feminist literature is undeniable, making her one of the most important and influential writers of our time.
Quotes by Marilyn Hacker
Marilyn Hacker's insights on:
'Love, Death and the Changing of the Seasons' is a kind of novel in verse about the arc of an urban lesbian love affair - and I suppose there is a certain amount of voyeurism in the consumption of fiction! The 'Sancerre' poems here are more contemplative and about the relationship of the individual to local and wider histories.
I wonder what it means about American literary culture and its transmission when I consider the number of American poets who earn their living teaching creative writing in universities. I’ve ended up doing that myself.
I try to write everyday. I do that much better over here than when I’m teaching. I always rewrite, usually fairly close-on which is to say first draft, then put it aside for 24 hours then more drafts.
I’ve been an inveterate reader of literary magazines since I was a teenager. There are always discoveries. You’re sitting in your easy chair, reading; you realize you’ve read a story or a group of poems four times, and you know, Yes, I want to go farther with this writer.
I don’t think it’s by accident that I was first attracted to translating two French women poets.
The phenomenon of university creative writing programs doesn’t exist in France. The whole idea is regarded as a novelty, or an oddity.