Births on February 9

Amy Lowell, American poet, critic, and educator (d. 1925)

Amy Lawrence Lowell (February 9, 1874 – May 12, 1925) stands as a formidable figure in American literature, primarily recognized as a leading poet of the Imagist school. This groundbreaking poetic movement, which emerged in the early 20th century, championed a return to classical values such as clarity, precision, and directness, rejecting the ornate and often verbose styles prevalent in late Victorian and Georgian poetry. Lowell's significant contributions to poetry were posthumously acknowledged when she was awarded the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1926, cementing her legacy as an influential voice.

Who Was Amy Lawrence Lowell?

Born into the prominent and intellectually distinguished Lowell family of Boston, Massachusetts, Amy Lawrence Lowell's lineage connected her to esteemed figures like the poet James Russell Lowell and the astronomer Percival Lowell. Despite her illustrious family background and access to extensive libraries, she was largely self-educated, cultivating a voracious appetite for literature from a young age. Her independent spirit and unconventional lifestyle were as notable as her literary talents, often making her a striking presence in the literary salons of her era. Lowell embarked on her poetic career relatively late, publishing her first collection, A Dome of Many-Coloured Glass, in 1912, at the age of 38.

Amy Lowell and the Imagist Movement

Amy Lowell became an ardent champion and, indeed, a driving force behind the Imagist movement, a group of poets who sought to revolutionize English poetry by focusing on the precise and economical use of language. While Ezra Pound is often credited as the founder of Imagism, Lowell became its most vocal proponent and organizational leader after Pound's increasing disengagement. She actively promoted the movement through various means, including:

• Advocating its Principles: Imagism stressed three core tenets: (1) direct treatment of the "thing" (whether subjective or objective), (2) using absolutely no word that did not contribute to the presentation, and (3) composing in the sequence of the musical phrase, not in the sequence of a metronome.
• Editing and Anthologizing: Lowell edited several influential Imagist anthologies, such as Some Imagist Poets (published between 1915 and 1917), which helped define and disseminate the movement's aesthetic. These collections showcased the works of various poets who adhered to the Imagist tenets, including H.D. (Hilda Doolittle), Richard Aldington, and D.H. Lawrence.
• Lecturing and Patronage: She tirelessly lectured across the United States and England, articulating the movement's philosophy and even financially supporting many of its members and publications, earning her the somewhat tongue-in-cheek title "the Amygist" from some critics.

Literary Style and Notable Works

Lowell's own poetry embraced the Imagist principles with remarkable skill and versatility. She experimented with various forms, including unrhymed verse and a unique form she termed "polyphonic prose," which blended elements of poetry and prose to create rhythmic and sonorous effects. Her work is characterized by vivid imagery, sharp sensory details, and an intense focus on the tangible world. Beyond her pioneering Imagist contributions, Lowell was also a prolific literary critic and biographer, most notably for her two-volume biography of John Keats, published in 1925.

The Pulitzer Prize for Poetry

Tragically, Amy Lowell passed away on May 12, 1925, at the age of 51, due to a cerebral hemorrhage. However, her literary impact was recognized almost immediately after her death. In 1926, she was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for her collection entitled What's O'Clock. This significant award highlighted the enduring quality and innovation of her verse, solidifying her place among America's most distinguished poets. The collection showcased her mastery of free verse and her keen observational skills, featuring poems that ranged from lyrical meditations to character sketches.

Legacy and Impact

Amy Lowell's legacy extends beyond her individual poetic achievements. She played a crucial role in bringing modern poetry to a wider American audience, acting as a bridge between the traditional forms of the 19th century and the revolutionary poetic movements of the 20th century. Her dedication to the Imagist cause, her fearless experimentation, and her forceful personality left an indelible mark on the landscape of American literature, influencing subsequent generations of poets to prioritize clarity, conciseness, and sensory detail in their work.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amy Lawrence Lowell

When did Amy Lawrence Lowell win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry?

Amy Lawrence Lowell was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1926, the year after her death.

For what work did Amy Lowell receive the Pulitzer Prize?

She received the Pulitzer Prize for her poetry collection titled What's O'Clock.

What was the Imagist school of poetry?

The Imagist school was a poetic movement of the early 20th century that advocated for a return to classical values of clarity, precision, and directness in poetry, emphasizing vivid, unadorned imagery and free verse.

What was Amy Lowell's role in the Imagist movement?

Amy Lowell was a prominent leader and champion of the Imagist movement, actively promoting its principles through her writing, anthologies (like Some Imagist Poets), lectures, and financial support, effectively taking over its leadership after Ezra Pound's departure.

What made Amy Lowell's poetry distinctive?

Her poetry was distinctive for its adherence to Imagist principles, use of free verse, vivid sensory imagery, and experimental forms like "polyphonic prose," which blended poetic and prose elements.