William Cullen Bryant
William Cullen Bryant
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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William Cullen Bryant was born on November 3, 1794, in Cummington, Massachusetts. He is often referred to by his initials, W.C.B.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: November 3, 1794
Died: June 4, 1878
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Bryant was an American poet, journalist, and editor. He is considered one of the most important figures in American literature during the 19th century.
Early Life and Background
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William Cullen Bryant grew up in a family that valued education and literature. His father, Peter Bryant, was a farmer and writer who encouraged his son's love for reading and writing from an early age. William attended local schools before enrolling at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts.
During his teenage years, Bryant developed a passion for poetry and began writing his own verse. This interest led him to study under the tutelage of the prominent poet and educator, Samuel Green. Under Green's guidance, Bryant refined his poetic skills and began publishing his work in local newspapers.
Major Accomplishments
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Bryant's most notable achievement was his editorship of The New York Evening Post, which he took over from his father in 1829. During his tenure, the newspaper became a leading voice for liberal politics and social reform. Bryant used the platform to advocate for the abolition of slavery, women's rights, and other progressive causes.
As a poet, Bryant is best known for his collection Picturesque America (1835-1872), which celebrated the natural beauty of the American landscape. His poetry was heavily influenced by European Romanticism and the Transcendentalist movement.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Bryant's most notable works include:
"Thanatopsis," a poem that explores themes of mortality and the afterlife.
"A Forest Hymn," which reflects on the interconnectedness of nature.
"The Battlefield," a narrative poem set during the War of 1812.
In addition to his literary contributions, Bryant was an outspoken advocate for social justice. He supported the abolitionist movement and was a vocal critic of slavery.
Impact and Legacy
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William Cullen Bryant's impact on American literature cannot be overstated. His poetry and editorship helped shape public opinion on issues like slavery and women's rights. Through his writing, he inspired generations of poets and writers to explore themes of nature, mortality, and social justice.
Bryant's legacy extends beyond the literary world as well. He played a significant role in shaping American journalism and was an early advocate for freedom of the press. Today, his quotes and writings continue to inspire readers on topics ranging from poetry to politics.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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William Cullen Bryant is widely quoted and remembered due to his:
Influence on American literature: His poetry and editorship helped shape the country's literary landscape.
Advocacy for social justice: He was a vocal critic of slavery and an early advocate for women's rights.
Inspiring legacy: Bryant's writing continues to inspire readers across generations and disciplines.
Quotes by William Cullen Bryant
The current of destiny carries us along. None but a madman would swim against the stream, and none but a fool would exert himself to swim with it. The best way is to float quietly with the tide.
The mountain summits, thy expanding heart. Shall feel a kindred with that loftier world.
Even here do I behold / Thy steps, Almighty! — here, amidst the crowd, / Through the great city rolled, / With everlasting murmur deep and loud — / Choking the ways that wind / 'Mongst the proud piles, the work of humankind.
And when the hours of rest / Come, like a calm upon the mid-sea brine, / Hushing its billowy breast — / The quiet of that moment too is thine; / It breathes of him who keeps / The vast and helpless city while it sleeps.
Now they are gone, gone as thy setting blaze / Goes down the west, while night is pressing on, / And with them the old tale of better days, / And trophies of remembered power, are gone. / Yon field that gives the harvest, where the plough / Strikes the white bone, is all that tells their story now.
The stormy March is come at last / With wind, and cloud, and changing skies / I hear the rushing of the blast / That through the snowy valley flies.
Even while we sing, he smiles his last, / And leaves our sphere behind. / The good old year is with the past; / Oh be the new as kind! / Oh stay, oh stay, / One parting strain, and then away.
Stand here by my side and turn, I pray, / On the lake below thy gentle eyes; / The clouds hang over it, heavy and gray, / And dark and silent the water lies;
And when the hours of rest / Come, like a calm upon the mid-sea brine, / Hushing its billowy breast- / The quiet of the moment, too, is thine: / It breathes of him who keeps / The vast and helpless city, while it sleeps.
These struggling tides of life that seem In wayward, aimless course to tend, Are eddies of the mighty stream That rolls to its appointed end.