Famous American Poets of the 20th century
Poetry has been an integral part of American literature since its inception. The 20th century saw an explosion of poets who redefined the genre, inspiring generations of writers to come. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most famous American poets of the 20th century and their contributions to the world of poetry.
T.S. Eliot
Thomas Stearns Elliot or T.S. Eliot is one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1888, Eliot’s works are known for their complex themes and experimental style. Eliot’s most famous works include “The Waste Land” and “Four Quartets”. In addition to his works as a poet, Eliot was also a literary critic and editor, greatly influencing the literary community of the time.
Sylvia Plath
Sylvia Plath was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1932. Plath’s works are known for their raw emotion and intense imagery. Her most famous works include “The Bell Jar” and “Daddy”. Plath’s poetry often dealt with issues of mental illness and gender, paving the way for a new genre of confessional poetry. Plath’s tragic suicide at the young age of 30 only added to the mystique of her work.
Langston Hughes
James Mercer Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri in 1901. Hughes is considered to be a pioneer of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated African American art and literature in the 1920s and 1930s. Hughes’ works include the famous poem “Harlem” and the essay collection “The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain”. Hughes’ poetry often dealt with the theme of identity and the African American experience.
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1928. Angelou was a poet, author, and civil rights activist. Her most famous work, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, is an autobiographical account of her childhood. Angelou’s poetry deals with themes of racism, identity, and feminism. Her works are known for their powerful and uplifting nature, often inspiring readers to overcome adversity.
Robert Frost
Robert Frost was born in San Francisco, California in 1874. Frost’s poetry often dealt with themes of nature and the human condition. His most famous works include “The Road Not Taken” and “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”. Frost’s poetry is known for its simplicity and accessibility, making it one of the most popular poets of his time.
In Conclusion
The 20th century was a time of great change and innovation in the world of poetry. These five poets and many others like them continue to shape the genre and inspire new generations of poets. Their contributions to the literary world will echo for generations to come.