Ezra Pound, The life and works of the complicated and enigmatic Ezra Pound have had a lasting influence on the poetry and literary worlds. He was a gifted and creative poet, as well as a savage and insightful critic and a dedicated supporter of other authors. Pound made a fundamental contribution to the modernist literary movement by questioning established poetic norms and promoting fresh modes of expression.
Pound was renowned for his innovative use of language and form in his poetry. He was a key contributor to the growth of imagism, a poetry form that placed an emphasis on accurate and vivid imagery. He believed in the importance of economy in verse, and his poems frequently used succinct and vivid language to convey his ideas. Pound drew inspiration for his writing from a variety of genres, including troubadour poetry, Chinese poetry, ancient literature, and the works of his contemporaries.
Along with his own poetry, Pound’s standing as a critic also had an impact. He published a great deal of literary writing, analyzing and promoting the works of authors like T.S. Eliot, James Joyce, and W.B. Yeats. Pound’s critical observations influenced the course of modernist literature and offered insightful advice to budding authors of his time.
The huge and intricate epic poem “The Cantos,” which Pound worked on for the majority of his life, was one of his most ambitious efforts. It was a tough but gratifying book for readers and experts since it incorporated historical and mythical references, thoughts on culture and society, and personal experiences.
However, Pound’s contentious political beliefs and deeds in the 1930s and 1940s have marred his reputation. He was detained as a traitor and arrested as a result of his ardent support for Nazism and anti-Semitic broadcasts during World War II. The relationship between an artist’s work and their own convictions has become more complicated ethically as a result of this tragic period of his life.
Ezra Pound is still regarded as a prominent and influential character in literature history, despite the dispute. Generations of writers have been influenced by his poetry and literary criticism, which are still studied and discussed today. There is no disputing his lasting influence on the world of letters, regardless of whether one sees him as a visionary poet or a damaged person.
Ezra Pound Bio
Ezra Pound, an acclaimed American poet, critic, and editor, lived from 1885 to 1972. He was a key character in the modernist literary movement and significantly influenced the development of poetry in the 20th century. Pound’s use of imagism, language experimentation, and the insertion of numerous historical and cultural allusions are characteristics of his work.
Pound, who was born in Hailey, Idaho, grew up primarily in this country. He attended the University of Pennsylvania before attending Hamilton College to study Romance languages and literature. He traveled to Europe after finishing his studies, spending time in London, Paris, and Italy. There, he met well-known authors and artists of the era like T.S. Eliot, James Joyce, and William Butler Yeats.
Pound was a fervent supporter of the imagism literary style, which stressed the use of straight, lucid language and striking images. Through his editorial labor and encouragement, he is credited with helping start the careers of several poets, notably T.S. Eliot and Robert Frost.
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Ezra Pound Facts
Name | Ezra Pound |
Born | October 30, 1885, Hailey, Idaho, United States |
Ezra Pound Age | 87 years |
Birthplace | Hailey, Idaho, United States |
Ezra Pound Death | November 1, 1972, Venice, Italy |
Profession | Poets |
Influenced by | T. S. Eliot, Junzaburō Nishiwaki, Ernst Kantorowicz, Leo Frobenius |
Nationality | American |
Country | United States |
Religion | Christianity |
Ethnicity | White |
Ezra Pound Family |
|
Father | Homer Loomis Pound |
Mother | Isabel Weston (1860–1948) |
Wife | Dorothy Shakespear (m. 1914) |
Siblings | The only child |
Children | Mary de Rachewiltz, Omar Pound |
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Early Life
On October 30, 1885, in Hailey, Idaho, the United States, Ezra Pound was born. He was Homer Loomis Pound and Isabel Weston Pound’s first child. During Pound’s early years, the family moved frequently, residing in numerous mining communities in the western United States. His father worked as an assayer for mining corporations.
Just two years old at the time, Pound’s family relocated to New York City in 1887. Pound spent a large portion of his early years in New York, where he attended the Cheltenham Military Academy before moving to Pennsylvania to attend the Cheltenham Township High School. He excelled in school and fell in love with literature and languages from an early age.
Pound’s mother supported his interest in poetry and the arts, and his family placed a great priority on education. She introduced him to classical literature, and Pound became particularly interested in the poetry of the troubadour poets, Homer, and Dante.
Pound enrolled at Philadelphia’s University of Pennsylvania at the age of 15 in 1901. He started out majoring in mining engineering but soon changed to literature and language. Professor Felix Schelling served as Pound’s mentor while he was an undergraduate, inspiring and fostering his interest in poetry and literature.
Pound changed colleges in 1903 and enrolled at Hamilton College in New York, where he pursued his literary studies and immersed himself in a variety of literary traditions. In the collegiate publication, he published “The Seafarer,” his debut poetry.
Pound continued his schooling after completing his undergraduate work in Europe. He relocated to London, England, in 1908, where he met the modernist literary and creative communities of the day. Pound’s stay in Europe, especially in London and subsequently in Paris, would have a significant impact on his development as a writer and artist.
In conclusion, Ezra Pound had a strong enthusiasm for books and languages in his early years, and his formal education prepared him for his later contributions to modernist poetry and writing. Throughout his travels throughout Europe, he was exposed to a variety of cultures and literary traditions, which had a huge impact on how he developed his creative sensibility and became a significant figure in the modernist literary movement.
Ezra Pound Education
Ezra Pound’s intellectual growth and literary career were significantly influenced by his education. In Hailey, Idaho, Pound was born on October 30, 1885. His upbringing was influenced by a family that valued learning and intellectual hobbies. The pound received most of his early education in his hometown while attending neighborhood schools.
Pound enrolled at Philadelphia’s University of Pennsylvania at the age of 15 in 1901. He began by majoring in mining engineering but soon shifted to the humanities, notably literature and languages. Pound was a voracious reader who immersed himself in the writings of several poets and authors from diverse societies and eras. He developed a particular interest in medieval troubadour verse, Chinese poetry, and classical literature, which eventually inspired his own literary style.
Professor Felix Schelling, a prominent literary critic, and scholar, served as Pound’s mentor while he was an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania. Pound’s intellectual growth and interest in poetry and literature were greatly influenced by Schelling’s advice and support.
Pound continued his schooling after completing his undergraduate work in Europe. He relocated to London in 1908, followed by Paris, where he met the modernist literary and artistic groups of the moment. Pound formed relationships with important authors like T.S. Eliot, James Joyce, and William Butler Yeats during this time, all of whom had a significant influence on his poetic and critical sensibility.
Pound deepened his awareness of both traditional and non-Western poetry forms throughout his time in Europe by continuing to research and read from a variety of literary traditions. Additionally, he started experimenting with his own poems while embracing the imagism movement’s tenets.
Pound’s education did not only take place in formal academic settings throughout his life. He consistently increased his knowledge of languages, literature, history, and diverse cultural influences since he was a voracious reader and a persistent self-learner. The numerous connections and allusions found in his poetry and analytical works demonstrate his varied interests and a broad range of study.
The academic and informal education that Ezra Pound received helped to shape him into one of the most important characters in the modernist literary movement. His significant contributions to 20th-century poetry and literature were made possible by his in-depth study of literary traditions and his innovative use of language and poetic form.
Height & Weight/Physical Stats
Height | 5 feet 11 Inch |
Weight | N/A |
Eye Color | Blue eyes |
Hair Color | Black |
Shoe Size | N/A |
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Ezra Pound Career
As a poet, critic, editor, and supporter of modernist literature, Ezra Pound had a varied and significant career. His writings and concepts had a significant impact on how poetry and literature developed in the 20th century.
Poet
Pound is most well-known for his work as a poet. He started out as a writer when his first book of poems, “A Lume Spento,” was published in 1908. However, it was his participation in the imagist movement that helped him gain further notoriety. Pound was a key advocate of the Imagism poetry movement, which emphasized clarity, precision, and the use of vivid imagery. His well-known poems include “In a Station of the Metro” and “The River-Merchant’s Wife: A Letter.”
Editor and Promoter
Pound was a major editor and supporter of other authors. He served as a foreign editor for a number of literary periodicals, most notably for the Chicago-based publication Poetry. He introduced and promoted the writings of other modernist authors, such as T.S. Eliot, H.D. (Hilda Doolittle), and Robert Frost, through his editorial work.
The Cantos
The epic poem “The Cantos,” which Pound started writing in 1915 and continued to work on throughout his life, is his most ambitious composition. It is a vast, intricate, and disjointed work that incorporates allusions from various cultures, historical and mythical allusions, and personal experiences. One of the most difficult and important poetic works of the 20th century is “The Cantos.”
Literary Criticism
Pound was a prolific writer of literary criticism, and the modernist literary movement was greatly influenced by his writings. He published a great deal of writing on a variety of literary subjects, analyzing both modern and classical authors. Many writers of his age adopted his critical viewpoints and beliefs about poetry and literature, which had an impact on their methods.
Involvement in Modernist Circles
Pound was a significant figure in early 20th-century modernist literary circles. He resided in London and Paris and was friends with Pablo Picasso, T.S. Eliot, James Joyce, Gertrude Stein, and other modernist authors and artists. The interaction and growth of modernist aesthetics were facilitated by his friendships and projects with these artists.
Political Controversy
Pound’s reputation and legacy were damaged by his divisive political beliefs and deeds in the 1930s and 1940s. Later, he also publicly supported Adolf Hitler. He became an open supporter of Italian fascism and Mussolini. Pound delivered anti-Semitic messages on Italian radio during World War II, which resulted in his detention and subsequent treason charges.
Imprisonment and Later Years
Pound was detained by American soldiers after the war and sent back to the country to face charges. He was kept in a mental hospital in Washington, D.C., for more than ten years after being deemed incompetent to stand trial due to worries about his mental health. He kept on writing and communicating with other authors during this time.
Ezra Pound’s career was distinguished by both outstanding literary accomplishments and contentious deeds. Although he continues to play a crucial role in the history of modernist writing, his links to fascism and anti-Semitism are still up for ethical discussion and critical analysis.
Ezra Pound writing style
Writing by Ezra Pound was known for its experimentation, complexity, and creative use of language. He was a forerunner of modernist poetry and an important influence on the imagist movement, which prioritized simple, unambiguous language and striking imagery. Pound’s poetry and prose were distinguished by a number of characteristics:
Imagism
The imagist movement, which aimed to produce poetry that offered simple, direct imagery without extraneous words or sentimentality, included Pound as a key character. He emphasized the use of clear, specific language to elicit feelings and sensory experiences. Pound’s imagist poems frequently have brief lines and a concentration on sensory and visual elements.
Free Verse and Form Experimentation
Pound played around with many poetry frameworks and genres. While some of his early works followed conventional rhyme and meter, he later adopted free verse, giving him more freedom in how he expressed himself via poetry. In “The Cantos,” his magnum opus, he employs a variety of poetic styles, including free verse, blank verse, and even some aspects of traditional epic poetry.
Allusions and Cultural References
Pound frequently included references to classical literature, historical events, and various cultural practices in his writing. He was influenced by works written in classical Greek and Latin, poetry from China, troubadour poetry, and more. His work became more complex and meaningful as a result of these allusions, testing readers’ minds.
Fragmentation and Collage Techniques
Pound used fragmentation and collage-like techniques in “The Cantos” and several of his other works to weave together various elements, historical incidents, and cultural references into a more comprehensive story. His poetry took on a mosaic-like appearance as a result of this strategy, which forced readers to put various parts together to comprehend the whole.
Precision and Economy of Language
Pound thought it was crucial to use the appropriate words at the appropriate times. He frequently used concise language in his poetry that was devoid of superfluous adjectives or adverbs. He adhered to the imagism ideals, trying to make the most impression with the fewest words possible.
Innovation and Avant-Garde Sensibilities
Pound led the avant-garde literary movement, and his writing was frequently regarded as experimental and out-of-the-ordinary. He aimed to test established literary conventions and push the limits of poetic expression.
Personal and Political Themes
Pound explored intimate subjects like love, beauty, and the passage of time throughout his body of writing. His later writings, however, also covered more political and social topics, demonstrating his interest in current events and his contentious political viewpoints.
Ezra Pound’s writing style resulted from his intense involvement with literary traditions, his many interests, and his ambition to carve out fresh directions in poetry. Poets and academics from all over the world continue to honor and research his contribution to the modernist movement, notably in the area of imagism. The discussion of his personal ideas and behaviors, which have drawn both praise and criticism, must be placed in the larger perspective of his body of work.
Ezra Pound Poems List
Ezra Pound was a prolific poet, and he wrote numerous poems throughout his lifetime. Here is a list of some of his most notable and influential poems:
“In a Station of the Metro” – A short imagist poem that compares faces in a metro station to petals on wet, black boughs.
“The River-Merchant’s Wife: A Letter” – A poem based on a translation of a Chinese poem by Li Bai, presenting the emotions of a young bride separated from her husband.
“Hugh Selwyn Mauberley” – A sequence of poems reflecting on the state of modern culture and critiquing society and the arts.
“The Cantos” – An epic poem in multiple volumes, considered Pound’s magnum opus. It weaves together historical, cultural, and personal references in a complex and ambitious narrative.
“Sestina: Altaforte” – A sestina, a complex form of poetry, that celebrates medieval warrior Bertran de Born.
“Homage to Sextus Propertius” – A modernist reinvention of the Roman poet Sextus Propertius’s elegies.
“Canto I” – The opening canto of “The Cantos,” which sets the tone for the rest of the epic and introduces themes of history and culture.
“Canto XLV” – Part of “The Cantos,” this poem is notable for its evocation of the ancient Greek hero Odysseus and the use of the phrase “What thou lovest well remains, the rest is dross.”
“Canto LXXIV” – Another canto from “The Cantos,” in which Pound reflects on the decline of civilization and the consequences of greed.
“Usura” – A poem denouncing the corrosive effects of usury and its impact on society and culture.
“Erat Hora” – A short poem expressing the ephemeral nature of life and beauty.
“A Pact” – A poem addressing the poet’s commitment to his art and vocation.
“Salutation” – A brief and evocative poem contemplating the beauty of nature.
“Ancient Music” – A poem that draws on classical mythology to explore themes of love and desire.
“Canto LXXXI” – Part of “The Cantos,” this poem reflects on the relationship between poetry and history.
These are only a handful of the many works of Ezra Pound. His poetry explores a variety of topics and poetic expressions, demonstrating his command of language and dedication to exploration and originality.
Ezra Pound Books
Ezra Pound wrote several books throughout his career, encompassing poetry, essays, translations, and literary criticism. Here are some of his notable books:
“A Lume Spento” (1908) – Pound’s first collection of poetry.
“Personae” (1909) – A collection of poems that introduced the persona of “Hugh Selwyn Mauberley.”
“Ripostes” (1912) – A collection of poems that included some of Pound’s early imagist works.
“Provenca” (1910) – A collection of translations of medieval Occitan troubadour poetry.
“Lustra” (1916) – A collection of poems, including some of Pound’s earlier works, along with newer pieces.
“Homage to Sextus Propertius” (1919) – A modernist reimagining of the elegies of the Roman poet Sextus Propertius.
“Hugh Selwyn Mauberley” (1920) – A collection of poems reflecting on the state of modern culture.
“Poetry” (1910-1914) – Pound served as the foreign editor for this magazine, and his editorial work helped promote the imagist movement and modernist writers.
“The Spirit of Romance” (1910) – A critical work exploring medieval literature and its impact on modern writing.
“Pavannes and Divisions” (1918) – A collection of essays and articles on various literary topics.
“The Cantos” (1915-1962) – Pound’s ambitious epic poem, composed of multiple volumes, drawing on a wide range of historical and cultural references.
“Guide to Kulchur” (1938) – A collection of essays on various topics, including literature, art, and economics.
“ABC of Reading” (1934) – A book of essays on literature and literary analysis, providing insights into Pound’s thoughts on poetry and his critical approach.
“Cavalcanti” (1951) – A book of translations of the poems of Dante’s contemporary, Guido Cavalcanti.
“Make It New” (1934) – A collection of essays that addresses various topics, including poetry and modernity.
These books showcase the diverse range of Ezra Pound’s literary output, from his influential poetry to his critical writings and translations. His works continue to be studied and discussed for their impact on modernist literature and his contributions to the world of poetry and criticism.
Ezra Pound Awards
Ezra Pound won numerous accolades and awards for his literary achievements throughout his lifetime. Here are a few of the important honors and accolades he won:
Bollingen Prize for Poetry (1949) – Pound was awarded the Bollingen Prize for Poetry for his significant contributions to poetry, particularly for his epic work “The Cantos.”
National Book Award for Poetry (1950) – He won the National Book Award for Poetry for “The Pisan Cantos,” a section of “The Cantos” that he wrote during his confinement at a U.S. military detention center in Pisa, Italy.
Order of the Sacred Treasure (1964) – The Japanese government awarded Pound the Order of the Sacred Treasure for its efforts in promoting and translating classical Japanese literature, including the Noh plays.
Golden Wreath of the Struga Poetry Evenings (1965) – Pound was honored with the Golden Wreath award at the Struga Poetry Evenings festival in Struga, North Macedonia.
Bologna Prize (1969) – He received the Bologna Prize in Italy for his translations of works by the Italian poet Guido Cavalcanti.
While Pound’s literary accomplishments were acknowledged, his reputation is also impacted by ethical disagreements and conflicts concerning his political views and activities during World War II. Despite the accolades he gained for his poetry and literary accomplishments, his affiliation with Nazism and anti-Semitism is still under scrutiny and debate.
Ezra Pound Legacy
Ezra Pound left behind a rich and complicated literary legacy that was influenced by his enormous contributions to modernist poetry, his important work as a literary critic and editor, and the controversy surrounding his political ideas and conduct. Some elements of his enduring legacy are listed below:
Modernist Poetry
It is impossible to overestimate Pound’s influence on modernist poetry. He was a key figure in the imagist movement, which emphasized accuracy, clarity, and the use of vivid imagery to revolutionize poetry speech. For upcoming poet generations, his innovative use of language and form created new possibilities.
Promoter of Other Writers
Several modernist writers’ careers were advanced by Pound’s work as an editor and marketer. He assisted in introducing and popularising the works of T.S. Eliot, H.D., William Carlos Williams, and other authors through his editorial work at a number of literary publications, most notably Poetry in Chicago.
The Cantos
“The Cantos,” Pound’s magnum work, is one of the most ambitious and difficult poems ever written in English. The poem offers a wonderful examination of history, culture, and the human experience despite its fragmentary structure. Although it had a mixed response from critics when he wrote it, it has since come to be recognized as a key piece of modernist literature.
Imagism and Beyond
Numerous poets, both in his own time and in later generations, were impacted by Pound’s involvement with imagism and his concentration on exact language and vivid imagery. His concepts and methods continue to serve as an inspiration for several poets and authors.
Literary Criticism
Pound’s analytical studies and articles have had an enduring influence on literary analysis. His understanding of several literary traditions, from classical literature to contemporary works, has had and continues to have an impact on literary criticism.
Controversy
The debate surrounding Pound’s political viewpoints and activities during World War II also leaves a lasting impression. His fascist sympathies and his anti-Semitic broadcasts resulted in his arrest and detention, highlighting challenging issues of how an artist’s work and personal convictions interact.
Ethical Debates
The difficulties in divorcing an artist’s work from their personal life and ideas are highlighted by the ethical discussions surrounding Pound’s legacy. How to evaluate and interpret Pound’s literary contributions in light of his political affiliations is still a topic of debate among academics and critics.
Historical Context
The early 20th century’s intellectual and aesthetic milieu is reflected in Pound’s life and work. His relationships with other significant modernist personalities and his engagement with other literary traditions offer insightful perspectives into the era’s cultural climate.
Finally, it should be noted that Ezra Pound’s legacy is still under consideration. His contentious political convictions have had a long-lasting influence on how we think about the interaction between art, politics, and ethics, in addition to his acclaimed contributions to modernist poetry and literature. We have a complicated and nuanced view of Pound’s ongoing impact on literature and society because, like many complex historical individuals, his legacy includes both acclaim and criticism.
Ezra Pound Death
On November 1, 1972, Ezra Pound passed dead. At the age of 87, he passed away in Venice, Italy. Pound spent his final days in Venice after having spent many years living in Italy.
Due of his contentious political activity throughout the war, Pound ran into legal issues after the war. The American government charged him with treason in 1945. Instead of going on trial, he was sent to St. Elizabeths Hospital, a psychiatric facility in Washington, D.C., after being determined to be mentally unfit to stand trial. Between 1946 and 1958, he spent more than ten years there.
After years of agitation and work by writers and intellectuals like Ernest Hemingway and Archibald MacLeish, Pound was finally allowed to leave St. Elizabeths in 1958. He went back to Italy, where he carried on his writing and his correspondence with other authors.
Pound’s final years were characterized by a more sedate existence in Venice, where he concentrated on his writing and kept in touch with other literary figures. Due to his prior backing of fascism and anti-Semitic broadcasts during the war, he remained a contentious figure until his passing.
Pound is remembered as a notable and influential poet and critic whose contributions to modernist literature are still studied and respected, despite his contentious legacy. His passing signaled the end of an era in literature, leaving behind a complicated and enduring legacy that is still being studied and debated today.
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