Robert Frost (1874-1963) was an American poet renowned for his depictions of rural life and command of American colloquial speech. His work often explored complex social and philosophical themes.
Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Lee Frost |
| Birth Date | March 26, 1874 |
| Death Date | January 29, 1963 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Poet |
| Known For | Realistic depictions of rural life, command of American colloquial speech |
| Frequent Themes | Rural life in New England, social and philosophical themes |
| Notable Awards | Four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry, Congressional Gold Medal (1960), Poet Laureate of Vermont (1961) |
| Critical Acclaim | Randall Jarrell: “One of the greatest American poets of the century” |
| Famous Work | “The Figure a Poem Makes” (1939) |
| Poetic Philosophy | “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise for the writer, no surprise for the reader.” |
Early Life
Robert Frost was born on March 26, 1874, in San Francisco, California. His father, William Prescott Frost Jr., was a journalist, and his mother, Isabelle Moodie, was of Scottish descent. After the death of his father in 1885, when Robert was just 11 years old, the family moved to Lawrence, Massachusetts, where they were taken in by his paternal grandparents. This relocation marked a significant shift in young Robert’s life, exposing him to the New England environment that would later profoundly influence his poetry. Raised in a modest household, Frost attended Lawrence High School, where he excelled in academics and discovered his passion for poetry. His early life was characterized by frequent moves and financial instability, yet these experiences laid the foundation for his deep appreciation of nature and rural life, themes that would become central to his work.
Family
| Relation | Name | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Father | William Prescott Frost Jr. | William was a journalist and an ardent Democrat, who passed away when Robert was just 11 years old. |
| Mother | Isabelle Moodie Frost | Isabelle was a Scottish immigrant, and she played a significant role in Robert’s early education and love for poetry. |
| Sister | Jeanie Florence Frost | Jeanie was Robert Frost’s only sibling. She suffered from mental illness and was eventually institutionalized. </td |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Measurement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | Unknown |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Chest | Unknown |
| Waist | Unknown |
| Hips | Unknown |
| Shoe Size | Unknown |
| Eye Color | Unknown |
| Hair Color | Unknown |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Robert Frost was married to Elinor Miriam White. They got married on December 19, 1895. Elinor Miriam White was a major influence in Robert Frost’s life and his poetry. She was a supportive partner and they shared a deep bond, which is evident in many of Frost’s works.
Robert Frost did not have any known previous relationships before his marriage to Elinor Miriam White. Their relationship began early in their lives, and they remained together until Elinor’s death in 1938.
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Robert Frost became famous for his depictions of rural life in New England and his command of American colloquial speech. His unique style and profound themes resonated with many, making him one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century.
Frost’s career began in earnest when he moved to England in 1912. There, he published his first collection of poetry, A Boy’s Will, in 1913, followed by North of Boston in 1914. These works garnered significant attention and praise, helping to establish his reputation. Some of his most popular works include:
- The Road Not Taken
- Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
- Mending Wall
- Birches
- Fire and Ice
Robert Frost received numerous awards and honors throughout his life, including:
- Four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry
- Congressional Gold Medal (1960)
- U.S. Poet Laureate (1958-1959)
- Multiple honorary degrees from prestigious universities
Despite his acclaim, Frost’s life was not without controversy. Some of the notable controversies include:
- Personal Relationships: Frost had a tumultuous personal life, marked by strained relationships with family members and friends. His marriage to Elinor Miriam White was often troubled, and he experienced profound personal losses, including the deaths of several of his children.
- Criticism of Peers: Frost was known to be critical of other poets and writers. He had well-documented feuds with contemporaries such as Ezra Pound and Amy Lowell, which sometimes overshadowed his own work.
- Political Views: Frost’s political views were often ambiguous and contradictory. While he publicly supported some progressive causes, he was also known to make statements that were interpreted as conservative or even reactionary, confusing many of his admirers.
