Facts about Robert Lowell Of American Poet
Robert Lowell, born Robert Traill Spence Lowell III on March 1, 1917, in Boston, Massachusetts, was a prominent American poet of the mid-20th century. Lowell is widely recognized for his confessional style, which delved into personal experiences, mental illness, and the complexities of family and societal relationships. A key figure in the “confessional poetry” movement, Lowell’s work reflects a profound engagement with history, politics, and the human condition. This biography provides an overview of Robert Lowell’s life, major works, and his enduring impact on American poetry.
Early Life and Education:
Robert Lowell came from a distinguished New England family
having roots in both politics and literature. Robert Traill Spence Lowell, his grandfather, was the president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a well-known astronomer. Poet Charlotte Winslow Lowell, the mother of Lowell, was descended from James Russell Lowell. Robert Lowell Jr., his father, was an executive at a bank in Boston.
Lowell was raised in a wealthy and intellectually stimulating household and went to the esteemed St. Mark’s School in Southborough, Massachusetts. During this time, he was exposed to literature and the arts, which prepared him for his future as a poet. Although Lowell’s wealthy upbringing had an influence on his views as well, his poetry would eventually come to focus on the expectations and limitations that came with it.
In 1935, Lowell entered Harvard University, where he studied with renowned literary figures such as I.A. Richards and F.O. Matthiessen. During his time at Harvard, he developed an interest in politics and briefly joined the Communist Party. He graduated magna cum laude in 1939.
Early Poetry and World War II:
Lowell’s first poetry collection, “Land of Unlikeness,” was published in 1944
when he was a World War II soldier in the United States Navy. The reflective and candid tone that would permeate a large portion of his subsequent writing was already evident in the poems included in this book.
Lowell went back to Harvard for graduate work after the war, but he quickly left to focus on his writing and teaching. 1946 saw the publication of his second collection, “Lord Weary’s Castle,” which went on to win the 1947 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Lowell’s early success established him as a prominent figure in American poetry.
Marriages and Personal Struggles:
Lowell’s personal life was marked by tumultuous relationships and struggles with mental illness. He married the novelist Jean Stafford in 1940, and their turbulent marriage ended in divorce in 1948. Lowell’s second marriage to the writer Elizabeth Hardwick in 1949 also faced challenges but lasted until their separation in the early 1970s.
In 1950, Lowell experienced a severe manic episode and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This event marked the beginning of a series of hospitalizations and treatments that would shape his personal and creative life. Lowell’s struggles with mental illness became a central theme in his poetry, contributing to the confessional nature of his work.
Life in Boston and “Life Studies”:
Returning to Boston in the early 1950s, Lowell became part of a vibrant literary scene that included poets such as Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, and Adrienne Rich. This period saw the emergence of the confessional poetry movement, characterized by poets openly addressing personal and often taboo subjects.
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Lowell’s groundbreaking collection “Life Studies” (1959) is considered a landmark in American poetry. The poems in “Life Studies” blend autobiographical elements, family history, and historical references, offering an intimate and unflinching portrayal of the poet’s experiences. The collection earned Lowell the National Book Award for Poetry in 1960.
Political Engagement:
In addition to his literary pursuits, Lowell was deeply engaged in political and social issues. His experiences during World War II and his family’s political legacy influenced his perspective on international affairs. Lowell’s political activism intensified in the 1960s, particularly in response to the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement.
Lowell’s opposition to the Vietnam War led him to decline an invitation to the White House in protest. He became an outspoken critic of American foreign policy and, at times, aligned himself with leftist causes. This period of political engagement is reflected in his poetry collections from the 1960s, including “For the Union Dead” (1964) and “Near the Ocean” (1967).
- “Land of Unlikeness” (1944):
- Lowell’s debut collection, published while he was serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
- The poems in this collection exhibit a formal style and reflect the influence of early modernist poets.
- “Lord Weary’s Castle” (1946):
- Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1947.
- Notable for its intricate use of rhyme and meter, as well as its exploration of themes related to history, faith, and the human condition.
- “The Mills of the Kavanaughs” (1951):
- Published after Lowell’s marriage to Elizabeth Hardwick and a period of personal and creative reassessment.
- Reflects a transition toward a more confessional and introspective style, exploring themes of love, marriage, and mental health.
- “Life Studies” (1959):
- A groundbreaking collection that is considered a key work in the development of confessional poetry.
- Reflects Lowell’s personal experiences, mental health struggles, and family history.
- Includes notable poems such as “Skunk Hour” and “For the Union Dead.”
- “For the Union Dead” (1964):
- Explores themes related to history, memory, and the impact of urban development on historical landmarks.
- Features the iconic poem “For the Union Dead,” which reflects on the changing landscape of Boston.
- “Near the Ocean” (1967):
- Written during Lowell’s self-imposed exile in Ireland.
- Reflects his engagement with global political issues, including the Vietnam War, and explores themes of displacement and identity.
- “The Dolphin” (1973):
- A controversial collection that incorporates personal letters from Lowell’s ex-wife, Elizabeth Hardwick, without her permission.
- Explores themes of love, separation, and the complexities of personal relationships.
- “History” (1973):
- Expands on Lowell’s engagement with history and politics.
- Includes poems that delve into historical events and figures, such as World War II and the trial of Anne Hutchinson.
- “Day by Day” (1977):
- Published posthumously after Lowell’s death.
- Explores themes of aging, mortality, and the search for meaning in the face of personal and societal challenges.
- Confessional Poetry Movement:
- Lowell is often regarded as one of the pioneers of confessional poetry, a movement in which poets explore intimate and often autobiographical subject matter. Lowell’s willingness to delve into his personal struggles, relationships, and mental health challenges paved the way for poets like Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, and John Berryman, who also embraced confessionalism.
- Innovative Use of Language and Form:
- Lowell’s poetry reflects a keen awareness of form and language. While his early works showcased a more formal, traditional style, his later poems, particularly in “Life Studies,” demonstrated a departure from formalism toward a more open and flexible approach to structure. This experimentation influenced subsequent poets in their exploration of new forms.
- Engagement with History and Politics:
- Lowell’s poems often engage with historical and political themes, reflecting his intellectual curiosity and social awareness. “For the Union Dead” and “History” are notable examples of his exploration of historical events and figures. This engagement with the intersection of personal and political landscapes has inspired poets to address broader societal issues in their work.
- Impact on Literary Criticism:
- Lowell’s works have been subject to extensive literary criticism and analysis. Scholars have examined the psychological dimensions of his poetry, his use of historical allusions, and the evolution of his style. The critical discourse surrounding Lowell’s poetry has contributed to the broader understanding of confessionalism and its implications in literature.
- Teaching and Mentorship:
- Lowell’s influence extended beyond his written works through his roles as a teacher and mentor. He held positions at various universities, including Harvard and Boston University, where he influenced the next generation of poets. His impact on students, such as Sylvia Plath, further solidified his role as a mentor within the literary community.
- Recognition and Awards:
- Throughout his career, Lowell received numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for “Lord Weary’s Castle” and “The Dolphin.” His recognition by prestigious literary awards underscored the significance of his contributions to American letters.
- Posthumous Publications and Continued Relevance:
- The posthumous publication of Lowell’s collected poems in 2003, edited by Frank Bidart and David Gewanter, brought renewed attention to his body of work. This comprehensive collection allowed readers to explore the entirety of Lowell’s poetic output and reinforced his continued relevance in contemporary literary discourse.
- Legacy in Mental Health Discourse:
- Lowell’s candid exploration of his struggles with bipolar disorder contributed to a greater understanding of mental health challenges. His openness about his experiences helped destigmatize mental illness and encouraged conversations about mental health in broader society.
TIMELINE
- 1917 (March 1): Robert Traill Spence Lowell III is born in Boston, Massachusetts, into a distinguished New England family with ties to literature and politics.
- 1935-1939: Attends Harvard University, studying with influential literary figures such as I.A. Richards and F.O. Matthiessen.
- 1940: Marries novelist Jean Stafford.
- 1943-1945: Serves in the U.S. Navy during World War II, experiencing wartime conditions in the Mediterranean and South Pacific.
- 1944: Publishes debut poetry collection, “Land of Unlikeness.”
- 1946: “Lord Weary’s Castle” is published, earning Lowell the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1947.
- 1949: Marries writer Elizabeth Hardwick.
- 1951: Publishes “The Mills of the Kavanaughs,” reflecting a shift toward a more confessional style.
- 1953: Experiences a severe manic episode and is diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
- 1959: “Life Studies” is published, marking a groundbreaking shift toward confessional poetry.
- 1960: Receives the National Book Award for Poetry for “Life Studies.”
- 1964: “For the Union Dead” is published, exploring historical and societal changes.
- 1967: Publishes “Near the Ocean,” reflecting his engagement with political and global issues during a self-imposed exile in Ireland.
- 1970: Awarded the National Medal for Literature.
- 1973: “The Dolphin” is published, incorporating personal letters from Lowell’s ex-wife, Elizabeth Hardwick.
- 1977 (September 12): Robert Lowell passes away at the age of 60 in a taxicab in New York City, attributed to a heart attack.
- 1977: “Day by Day” is published posthumously, addressing themes of aging and mortality.
- 2003: Posthumous publication of “Collected Poems,” a comprehensive collection of Lowell’s poetry edited by Frank Bidart and David Gewanter.
