Robert Lowell Bio, Age, Height, Wiki, Profile, Net Worth, Death, and More

American poet Robert Lowell (1917–1977) is most known for his confessional poems and examination of kinship and psychological hardships. He came from a well-known New England family and was born in Boston, Massachusetts. At Harvard University, Lowell studied under critic and poet F. O. Matthiessen.

Early works by Lowell, who drew inspiration from authors like T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound, were formal and quite structured. However, it is his later, confessional-style poetry for which he is best known. Lowell wrote about his own personal struggles, mental illness, and his rocky relationships throughout this time in his career. His readiness to share his most private ideas and feelings, frequently in a raw and personal way, had a significant influence on American poetry.

The collection “Life Studies” (1959), which is frequently seen as a turning point in confessional poetry, is one of Lowell’s most illustrious works. He primarily draws from his personal experiences as he discusses family, mental illness, and identity issues. Critical appreciation for the collection signaled a turning point in his career.

“For the Union, Dead” (1964), “Near the Ocean” (1967), and “The Dolphin” (1973), which won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, are some of Lowell’s other notable compositions. In addition, he published a variety of prose works and translated numerous plays by the classical Greek dramatist Euripides.

Lowell was well-known for his difficult personal life in addition to his creative accomplishments. He married the author Caroline Blackwood after a turbulent marriage to Elizabeth Hardwick, who was also a writer. His interpersonal interactions and psychological issues frequently appeared in his poetry.

Robert Lowell is regarded as one of the most significant authors in American literature because of the profound influence his writing had on later poet generations. Readers are still moved by his contributions to the confessional poetry movement and his courageous investigation of their own psychological and emotional depths.

Robert Lowell Bio

Today we will share all about Robert Lowell’s Profile, Including Age, Height, Weight, Body Measurement, Net Worth, Profession, Famous, country, Religious, Ethnicity, Wife, Hobiess, Family, Robert Lowell Education, Career, Robert Lowell Books, Robert Lowell Poems, Robert Lowell Poetry, etc

Robert Lowell Facts

Read more articles on Good Biography

Robert Lowell Bio, Age, Height, Wiki, Profile, Net Worth, Death, and More

Early Life

On March 1st, 1917, Robert Lowell was born in Boston, Massachusetts. His family had a long history in New England and was well-known and rich. His mother, Charlotte Winslow, was a poet, and his father, Robert Lowell Sr., was a merchant and former Navy commander.

Lowell was raised in a privileged setting among Boston’s intellectual and cultural elite. His family was related to some of the most significant personalities in American politics and literature. For instance, Robert Traill Spence Lowell, his grandfather, was a renowned poet and diplomat.

Lowell had a passion for reading and writing at a young age. He started honing his creative abilities while attending the prestigious St. Mark’s School in Southborough, Massachusetts. After earning his diploma in 1935, he continued his education at Harvard University.

Lowell engaged in a number of literary endeavors while studying English literature at Harvard. He began contributing to the Harvard Advocate, a renowned literary journal and collaborated often with important poets and critics of the age, including F. O. Matthiessen and Jean Stafford.

Lowell struggled personally while he was a student at Harvard. He experienced depressive periods and received psychiatric care. Early encounters with mental illness would have a significant influence on his life and career.

Lowell temporarily studied for his doctorate degree at Kenyon College in Ohio after earning his Harvard diploma in 1940. He eventually made the decision to leave, though, and relocate to New York City in order to pursue a literary career. His career as a poet and his investigation into many literary genres and styles began with this.

Lowell’s formative years paved the way for his eventual lyrical growth. His wealthy upbringing, contact with literary circles, and early health issues all had a big impact on the lyrical sensibilities and subject matter he chose.

Robert Lowell Education

Robert Lowell had a strong educational background that laid the foundation for his literary pursuits and development as a poet. Here is an overview of his educational journey:

St. Mark’s School: Lowell attended the prestigious St. Mark’s School, a boarding school in Southborough, Massachusetts. It was here that he began to nurture his interest in literature and writing, and he started to explore his poetic abilities.

Harvard University: Lowell went on to study at Harvard University, where he pursued a degree in English literature. He studied under influential professors and poets, such as F. O. Matthiessen, who had a profound impact on his understanding of literature and poetry. Lowell actively engaged in the literary scene at Harvard and was associated with the Harvard Advocate, a renowned literary magazine.

Kenyon College: After completing his undergraduate studies at Harvard, Lowell briefly attended Kenyon College in Ohio for graduate studies. However, he did not stay long and instead decided to pursue a career in writing in New York City. His time at Kenyon College was relatively short, but it likely provided additional exposure to literary studies and further shaped his understanding of literature.

Travel and Study Abroad: Throughout his life, Lowell embarked on several journeys and spent time abroad, which provided him with new perspectives and cultural experiences. He traveled to England and studied at Oxford University, immersing himself in British literary traditions and expanding his knowledge of poetry. His travels and exposure to different cultures and traditions influenced his poetic style and subject matter.

Overall, Lowell’s education, from his formative years at St. Mark’s School to his studies at Harvard University and experiences abroad, contributed to his intellectual growth, exposure to influential thinkers, and the development of his poetic voice. His educational background provided him with a strong literary foundation and a rich tapestry of experiences that he drew upon throughout his career as a poet.

Height & Weight/Physical Stats

Gallery

Robert Lowell Career

Robert Lowell’s career as a poet spanned several decades and was both prolific and significant. Over time, his work changed and developed, having a significant impact on American poetry. This is a summary of his career:

Early Poetry: Lowell experimented with several poetic forms and styles in the 1940s and 1950s. His early poetry revealed a formal and very structured approach, which was influenced by writers like T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound. He published several early collections, including “Land of Unlikeness” (1944) and “Lord Weary’s Castle” (1946), which was awarded the 1947 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.

Confessional Poetry: Lowell suffered a profound transition in his literary style in the late 1950s and early 1960s, playing a key role in the creation of confessional poetry. He started to write more autobiographically, examining his own and his family’s difficulties, his own mental condition, and his own private feelings. His 1959 collection “Life Studies” is frequently cited as a milestone in confessional poetry and is considered to have changed the course of his career. It won praise from the critics for being open and vulnerable.

Later Works: In the following years, Lowell continued to produce notable works that further solidified his reputation as a leading poet of his time. His collections “For the Union Dead” (1964), “Near the Ocean” (1967), and “The Dolphin” (1973) further explored personal and political themes, often drawing on historical and cultural references. “The Dolphin” received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1974.

Prose Works and Translations: Alongside his poetry, Lowell also engaged in prose writing and translation work. He translated several plays by the ancient Greek playwright Euripides and published them in “The Complete Greek Tragedies” series. Lowell also wrote a number of essays and prose works, including “Imitations” (1961), a collection of translations and adaptations of other poets’ works.

Over the course of his career, Lowell’s work received praise from critics and notoriety. Numerous significant honors, such as the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award, were bestowed upon him. He is regarded as one of the most significant voices in American literature of the 20th century and made significant contributions to American poetry, notably in the genre of confessional poetry.

Net Worth

Robert is one of the richest poets & listed as the most popular Poet. According to our analysis, Wikipedia, Forbes & Business Insider, Robert Lowell’s net worth is $5 Million.

Robert Lowell Poems

Robert Lowell wrote numerous poems throughout his career, covering a wide range of themes and styles. Here are a few notable poems by Robert Lowell:

“Skunk Hour”: This poem, featured in Lowell’s collection “Life Studies” (1959), is often regarded as one of his most famous and representative works. It explores themes of loneliness, despair, and the decay of a once-thriving coastal community.

“For the Union Dead”: Included in the collection of the same name (1964), this poem reflects on the Civil War and the changing landscape of Boston. It juxtaposes historical references with personal observations and addresses issues of social and racial injustice.

“Waking in the Blue”: This poem, part of the collection “Life Studies” (1959), delves into Lowell’s personal experiences with mental illness during his time in a psychiatric hospital. It vividly depicts the struggles and vulnerability of the patients.

“The Quaker Graveyard in Nantucket”: Considered one of Lowell’s most powerful poems, it is an elegy for the lost lives of sailors and explores themes of mortality, spirituality, and the haunting nature of the sea. It was published in the collection “Lord Weary’s Castle” (1946).

“Epilogue”: This poem, included in the collection “Near the Ocean” (1967), is a moving elegy for Lowell’s close friend and fellow poet, John Berryman. It reflects on friendship, mortality, and the emotional weight of loss.

“Skunk Hour (revisited)”: This poem, a later revision of the original “Skunk Hour,” appears in Lowell’s collection “Day by Day” (1977). It reimagines and expands upon the themes of the earlier version, offering new insights into the poet’s personal struggles and the search for meaning in a changing world.

These poems provide a glimpse into the rich and varied body of work that Robert Lowell produced throughout his career. His poetry often combines personal introspection, historical context, and a keen observation of the world around him.

Robert Lowell Books

Robert Lowell published several poetry collections and prose works throughout his career. Here are some notable books by Robert Lowell:

“Lord Weary’s Castle” (1946): Lowell’s second collection of poetry, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1947. It showcases his early formal style and explores themes of history, spirituality, and the human condition.

“Life Studies” (1959): Considered a seminal work in American poetry, “Life Studies” marks a significant shift in Lowell’s style towards confessional poetry. The collection delves into his personal experiences, family dynamics, and struggles with mental illness.

“For the Union Dead” (1964): This collection reflects on historical events, including the American Civil War, as well as contemporary society. It includes the well-known poem “For the Union Dead,” which explores the tensions between past and present in Boston.

“Near the Ocean” (1967): In this collection, Lowell continues his exploration of personal and political themes. He addresses his own turbulent relationships and also engages with broader societal issues.

“The Dolphin” (1973): Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1974, “The Dolphin” is a controversial collection that examines Lowell’s personal life, including his second marriage and the dissolution of his previous marriage. It incorporates letters from his ex-wife, creating ethical debates about privacy and artistic expression.

“Day by Day” (1977): Published posthumously, this collection contains some of Lowell’s final poems. It reflects on mortality, the passage of time, and his ongoing struggles with mental illness.

In addition to his poetry, Lowell also published prose works, including translations and adaptations of plays by Euripides, such as “The Old Glory” (1965), “Prometheus Bound” (1969), and “The Oresteia” (1977).

These books highlight the evolution of Lowell’s poetic style, from his early formalism to his influential contributions to confessional poetry. They demonstrate his ability to grapple with personal, historical, and cultural themes, making him a significant figure in American literature.

Awards

Robert Lowell received numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his career for his contributions to poetry. Here are some notable awards and recognitions bestowed upon him:

Pulitzer Prize for Poetry: Lowell was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry twice. The first time was in 1947 for his collection “Lord Weary’s Castle,” and the second time was in 1974 for his collection “The Dolphin.” These prizes recognized his exceptional poetic talent and the impact of his work.

National Book Award: Lowell won the National Book Award for Poetry on three occasions. He received the award in 1960 for “Life Studies,” in 1965 for “For the Union Dead,” and in 1974 for “The Dolphin.” The National Book Award is a prestigious literary honor in the United States, highlighting his significant contributions to American literature.

Bollingen Prize: In 1948, Lowell was honored with the Bollingen Prize in Poetry, a prestigious literary award presented by Yale University. This award recognized his outstanding achievements and the lasting impact of his poetry.

National Institute of Arts and Letters Award: Lowell was a recipient of the National Institute of Arts and Letters Award in Literature in 1960. This recognition highlighted his substantial contributions to the literary world.

Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress: From 1947-1948, Lowell served as the Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, a position that later became known as the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry. This appointment acknowledged his excellence as a poet and his influence on the literary community.

These awards and honors, among others, reflect the high regard and recognition that Robert Lowell received during his lifetime for his significant contributions to poetry. His work continues to be celebrated and studied, cementing his place as a major figure in American literature.

Death

At the age of 60, Robert Lowell passed away on September 12, 1977. He had a heart attack in a taxicab on the way home from seeing his ex-wife, Elizabeth Hardwick, in New York City, which is what caused his death.

With Lowell’s passing, a great poetry career spanning several decades came to an end. He is remembered for his introspective and personal poetry, and he is regarded as one of the most important poets of his generation.

His contributions to American poetry and the confessional movement are still widely recognized and studied. Readers and other poets continue to be moved by Lowell’s examination of personal hardships, mental illness, and his willingness to share his weaknesses and emotions in his poems.

Despite his personal struggles, Lowell has cemented his position as one of the most significant and influential figures in American poetry of the 20th century through his contributions to literature and poetry.

Note: – First of all, we give all information about Famous People’s Bio, and Profile through our website goodbiography.com, so do not forget to follow our website

Read More:-

FAQ