Allen Tate, American poet and academic (b. 1899)

John Orley Allen Tate (November 19, 1899 – February 9, 1979), known professionally and widely as Allen Tate, was a towering figure in 20th-century American letters. A multifaceted literary professional, Tate distinguished himself as an influential American poet, a rigorous essayist, a trenchant social commentator, and served honorably as the Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 1943 to 1944—a role often colloquially referred to as Poet Laureate.

His career spanned decades, marking him as a pivotal voice associated with both the Fugitive Poets and the Southern Agrarian movement. Tate’s contributions extended beyond his own creative output; he was also a significant literary critic, playing a crucial role in the development and popularization of New Criticism, an approach that emphasized close reading and the intrinsic value of a text.

The Fugitive Poets and Southern Agrarianism

Allen Tate's intellectual journey began at Vanderbilt University, where he became a central member of the Fugitive Poets. This influential group, also known as the Fugitives, emerged in the 1920s and sought to move away from sentimental, romanticized Southern literature, embracing instead formal rigor, intellectual depth, and a focus on the craft of poetry. Other notable members included Robert Penn Warren and John Crowe Ransom.

Following the Fugitive movement, Tate was instrumental in the formation of the Southern Agrarians. This group, which included many of the former Fugitives, published the influential manifesto "I'll Take My Stand" in 1930. In this collection of essays, the Agrarians championed traditional Southern agrarian values and culture, opposing the rapid industrialization and modernization they perceived as eroding societal and spiritual foundations. Tate’s essays contributed significantly to this critique, articulating a conservative cultural philosophy that explored the intersection of tradition, religion, and the human condition.

A Distinguished Poet and Essayist

As a poet, Allen Tate was celebrated for his complex, intellectually demanding verse, often characterized by its formal precision, classical allusions, and exploration of themes such as history, religion, and the South's cultural identity. One of his most renowned works, "Ode to the Confederate Dead," exemplifies his ability to weave historical reflection with existential inquiry, examining the burden of the past on the present.

Beyond poetry, Tate's prowess as an essayist and literary critic profoundly shaped modern literary discourse. His critical essays, collected in volumes such as "Reason in Madness" (1941) and "Essays of Four Decades" (1968), solidified his reputation as a proponent of New Criticism. This critical methodology advocated for analyzing literary works on their own terms, focusing on internal structures, language, and imagery rather than external factors like authorial intent or historical context. His insights influenced generations of students and scholars, establishing a framework for literary analysis that resonated throughout academic institutions.

The Poet Laureate Role and Legacy

Allen Tate's appointment as the Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 1943 to 1944 was a testament to his standing in the American literary community. While the official title of "Poet Laureate" for this position was not formally adopted until 1986, his tenure involved promoting poetry and literature at a national level, a role that brought significant visibility to the art form during a pivotal historical period.

Throughout his extensive career, Tate taught at various prestigious institutions, including Princeton University and the University of the South, mentoring numerous emerging writers and critics. His enduring legacy is marked not only by his formidable body of work but also by his intellectual leadership, his unwavering commitment to literary excellence, and his profound influence on the trajectory of American poetry and criticism. Tate received numerous accolades for his contributions, including the Bollingen Prize in Poetry in 1956 and the National Medal for Literature in 1978, affirming his status as one of America's preeminent literary minds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Allen Tate

Who was Allen Tate?

Allen Tate (born John Orley Allen Tate) was a prominent American poet, essayist, and literary critic, known for his association with the Fugitive Poets and Southern Agrarians. He also served as the Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress.

What was Allen Tate's role in the Fugitive Poets movement?

Allen Tate was a founding and central member of the Fugitive Poets, a group of writers from Vanderbilt University in the 1920s who advocated for formal, intellectually rigorous poetry and moved away from regional sentimentality.

What is the Southern Agrarian movement, and how was Tate involved?

The Southern Agrarian movement was a cultural and social philosophy prominent in the American South during the 1930s. Allen Tate was a key figure, contributing to "I'll Take My Stand," a manifesto that championed traditional agrarian values against industrialization and modernization.

What is New Criticism, and how did Allen Tate contribute to it?

New Criticism is a school of literary criticism that emphasizes close reading and the intrinsic analysis of a text's formal elements (structure, language, imagery) rather than external factors. Allen Tate was a significant proponent and theoretician of New Criticism, with his essays greatly influencing its development and widespread adoption.

What was Allen Tate's Poet Laureate position?

Allen Tate held the position of Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 1943 to 1944. While this role is often colloquially referred to as "Poet Laureate," the official title was adopted in 1986. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in promoting poetry and literature on a national stage.

What are some of Allen Tate's most famous works?

Among Allen Tate's most celebrated works are his poems like "Ode to the Confederate Dead" and "The Swimmers," and his critical essays collected in volumes such as "Reason in Madness" and "Essays of Four Decades." He also wrote a novel, "The Fathers."