Frank O'Hara
Frank O'Hara: A Life of Poetry and Passion
======================================================
Full Name and Common Aliases
--------------------------------
Franklin "Frank" O'Hara was an American poet, playwright, and critic, often referred to as one of the leading figures of the New York School of poetry.
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
Born on June 27, 1926, in Baltimore, Maryland, O'Hara passed away on July 25, 1966, at the age of 40.
Nationality and Profession(s)
-------------------------------
O'Hara was an American poet, playwright, and critic. His work spanned various genres, including poetry, plays, essays, and criticism.
Early Life and Background
---------------------------
Growing up in Baltimore, O'Hara was exposed to a diverse cultural environment that would later influence his writing. He moved to New York City in the 1940s, where he became part of a vibrant artistic community. O'Hara's early life was marked by an insatiable curiosity and love for art, music, and literature.
As a young man, O'Hara worked as a museum curator at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. This experience not only exposed him to the world of modern art but also provided him with a unique perspective on the intersection of art and life. His tenure at MoMA would later influence his writing, as he often incorporated observations about art and culture into his poetry.
Major Accomplishments
-------------------------
O'Hara's work as a poet is characterized by its accessibility, wit, and emotional depth. He was known for his innovative style, which blended elements of confessional poetry with a sense of playfulness and humor. Some of his most notable works include:
"Meditations in an Emergency" (1956), a collection of poems that explore themes of love, loss, and identity.
"Lunch Poems" (1964), a celebrated collection that captures the spirit of everyday life in New York City.
O'Hara's poetry is also notable for its sense of spontaneity and immediacy. His use of free verse and fragmented forms created a sense of urgency and intimacy, drawing readers into his inner world.
Notable Works or Actions
---------------------------
In addition to his poetry collections, O'Hara was a prolific writer of plays, essays, and criticism. Some notable works include:
"Try to Remember Me: Poems" (1960), a collection that showcases his early work.
"The Collected Poems of Frank O'Hara" (1971), a posthumous publication that solidified his reputation as a leading American poet.
O'Hara's impact on the literary world extends beyond his own writing. He was a mentor and friend to many young poets, including John Ashbery and James Schuyler. His influence can be seen in the work of later generations of poets who continue to explore themes of identity, love, and everyday life.
Impact and Legacy
----------------------
Frank O'Hara's legacy is marked by his innovative style, emotional depth, and commitment to exploring the complexities of human experience. As a poet, playwright, and critic, he left an indelible mark on American literature. His work continues to inspire readers with its accessibility, wit, and sense of urgency.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
------------------------------------------
O'Hara's poetry is widely quoted and remembered for its ability to capture the essence of everyday life. His use of free verse and fragmented forms created a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing readers into his inner world. His poems are often described as "meditations on modern life," offering insights into love, loss, identity, and the human condition.
Frank O'Hara's legacy extends beyond his own writing to inspire new generations of poets, writers, and artists. His commitment to exploring the complexities of human experience continues to resonate with readers today.
Quotes by Frank O'Hara
Frank O'Hara's insights on:
I dislike a great deal of contemporary poetry – all of the past you read is usually quite great – but it is a useful thorn to have in one’s side.
You are the sick prince of my cerise innovations and in your drowning caresses I walk the sea.
In retrospect, the saddest moment of one’s life would seem to be that in which one first became aware that sensibility must be protected by intelligence if it is to survive living. It is that realization that puts the bloodshed into adolescence. And the lack of that realization makes the rest of life a bloodshed.
I loved her fright, which was against me into the air! and the diamond white of her forelock which seemed to smart with thoughts as my heart smarted with life! and she’d toss her head with the pain and paw the air and champ the bit, as if I were Endymion and she, moon-like, hated to love me.
I’ve got to get out of here. I choose a piece of shawl and my dirtiest suntans. I’ll be back, I’ll re-emerge, defeated, from the valley; you don’t want me to go where you go, so I go where you don’t want me to.
I have been to lots of parties and acted perfectly disgraceful but I never actually collapsed oh Lana Turner we love you get up.