Carolyn Kizer
Carolyn Kizer
Full Name and Common Aliases
Carolyn Kizer was born as Carolyn Cassady on October 24, 1925. She is often referred to by her married name, Carolyn Kizer.
Birth and Death Dates
October 24, 1925 – January 30, 2014
Nationality and Profession(s)
Kizer was an American poet, translator, and editor. Her work spanned multiple genres, including poetry, translation, and essay writing.
Early Life and Background
Carolyn Kizer grew up in Seattle, Washington. She began writing at a young age and developed a passion for literature. During World War II, she moved to the East Coast with her family, where she attended boarding school. This marked a significant shift from her earlier life, introducing her to new environments and intellectual pursuits.
Major Accomplishments
Kizer's accomplishments are numerous, but some of the most notable include:
Editorial Positions: She served as the poetry editor for _The Nation_ and held the position of poetry consultant in the Library of Congress from 1978 to 1984.
Translation Work: Kizer translated several collections of Russian poetry into English, making her a prominent figure in promoting international literature.
Awards and Honors: She received numerous awards for her work, including two National Book Awards.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Kizer's most notable works include:
Poetry Collections: Her collections _Winter Numbers_ (1965) and _The Ungrateful Gardeners: Poems Selected and New 1964-1982_ (1984) are widely regarded as seminal works.
Translation: Her translations of Russian poetry, such as Boris Pasternak's _My Sister – Life_ , have been highly praised.Impact and Legacy
Carolyn Kizer's impact on the literary world is immense. She was a pioneer for women in poetry and a leading figure in promoting international literature through translation. Her work continues to inspire generations of writers and readers alike.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Kizer's influence can be seen in various aspects:
Pioneering Feminism: Her commitment to empowering women in the literary world paved the way for future generations.
Promoting International Literature: Through her translations, she introduced readers to international voices and perspectives, enriching the literary landscape.
Innovative Style: Kizer's unique style and approach to poetry continue to inspire writers today.
Kizer's legacy extends far beyond her individual accomplishments. She played a pivotal role in shaping the literary world, leaving behind a lasting impact that continues to inspire new voices and perspectives.
Quotes by Carolyn Kizer
He said, “You have pigs in this poem; pigs are not poetic.” I got up and walked out of that class and never went back.
You cannot meet someone for a moment, or even cast eyes on someone in the street, without changing. That is my subject.
Poems, to me, do not come from ideas, they come from a series of images that you tuck away in the back of your brain. Little photographic snapshots. Then you get the major vision of the poem, which is like a giant magnet to which all these disparate little impressions fly and adhere, and there is the poem!
He said, "You have pigs in this poem; pigs are not poetic." I got up and walked out of that class and never went back.
A poet, to whom no one cruel and imposing listens, / Disdained by senates, whispers to your dust,
In some ways painters have been more important in my life than writers. Painters teach you how to see—a faculty that usually isn’t highly developed in poets. Whether you take a walk in the woods with a painter, or go to a museum with one, through them you notice shapes, colors, harmonies, relationships that enhance your own seeing.
What is so marvelous about living today is that it is possible to extend, like a flower, spreading petals in all directions.
Our masks, always in peril of smearing or cracking, in need of continuous check in the mirror or silverware, keep us in thrall to ourselves, concerned with our surfaces.
I happen to believe that there are a lot of good poets around at present, but a poet like Alex Kuo, who possesses a highly developed moral sense and a bitter honesty, is rare at any time and especially in this time. We need him.
She tended to be impatient with that sort of intellectual who, for all his brilliance, has never been able to arrive at the simple conclusion that to be reasonably happy you have to be reasonably good.