Edwin Arlington Robinson
Edwin Arlington Robinson was an influential American poet and playwright, known for his profound exploration of human psychology and social themes. Born in a small town in Maine, Robinson faced early challenges that shaped his literary voice. He gained recognition for his poignant character studies and the use of colloquial language, which set him apart from his contemporaries. His notable works include 'Richard Cory,' 'Miniver Cheevy,' and 'The Town Down the River,' each reflecting the complexities of individual experience against the backdrop of societal expectations. Robinson's contributions to American literature were significant, as he won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry three times, affirming his status as a leading figure in early 20th-century poetry. His works often delved into themes of isolation, disillusionment, and the human condition, influencing later generations of poets. Despite being nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature four times, he remained somewhat overshadowed by his contemporaries. Nevertheless, his legacy endures, with his keen insights into the human psyche continuing to resonate in the study of American poetry.
Famous Quotes
View all 3 quotes“And thus we all are nighing The truth we fear to know: Death will end our crying For friends that come and go.”
“Whenever Richard Cory went down town, We people on the pavement looked at him: He was a gentleman from sole to crown, Clean favored, imperially slim. And he was always quietly arrayed, And he was always human when he talked; But still he fluttered pulses when he said, 'Good-morning,' and he glittered when he walked. And he was rich--yes, richer than a king-- And admirably schooled in every grace: In fine, we thought that he was everything To make us wish that we were in his place. So on we worked, and waited for the light, And went without the meat, and cursed the bread; And Richard Cory, one calm summer night, Went home and put a bullet through his head.”
“The world is not a prison house, but a kind of spiritual kindergarten where millions of of bewildered infants are trying to spell God with the wrong blocks.”
Books from the author
