Stevie Smith
Stevie Smith
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Stevie Smith's full name was Florence Margaret Faraday Smith. However, she is often known simply as Stevie Smith.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 20, 1902, in Hull, Yorkshire, England, Stevie Smith passed away on March 7, 1971, at the age of 68.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Stevie Smith was British by nationality. She worked primarily as a poet, but her creative output also included novels, short stories, essays, and plays.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Hull, Stevie developed an early interest in writing. She attended the Hull School of Art for a brief period before moving to London to pursue further education. However, financial constraints led her to abandon formal studies and instead focus on developing her writing skills through self-study and practice.
Stevie's personal life was marked by tragedy when she lost both parents at a young age. This early loss had a profound impact on her outlook and contributed significantly to the themes of mortality and loss that feature prominently in her work.
Major Accomplishments
During World War II, Stevie worked as an ambulance driver and later as a firewatcher. Her experiences during this time greatly influenced her writing, particularly in terms of its focus on the human condition amidst adversity.
Stevie's poetry collections, such as _A Good Time Was Had by All_ (1954) and _Scorched Earth_ (1966), gained significant recognition for their unique blend of humor and seriousness. These works showcased Stevie's ability to tackle complex themes with both wit and sensitivity.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to her poetry collections, Stevie published several novels, including _Novel on Yellow Paper_ (1938) and _Over the Frontier_ (1946). Her short stories were also widely praised for their insight into human nature.
One of Stevie's most notable achievements was her role in co-founding the Poetry Review magazine. This platform not only showcased her own work but also provided a vital outlet for other emerging poets to share their voices with the world.
Impact and Legacy
Stevie Smith left an indelible mark on British literature, particularly through her poetry. Her unique voice and perspective have made her one of the most beloved and respected figures in 20th-century English poetry.
Her work continues to be celebrated for its unflinching exploration of themes that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. Stevie's ability to balance humor and pathos has inspired countless readers and writers to explore the complexities of human experience through their own creative expressions.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Stevie Smith's quotes continue to be widely shared due to her unparalleled ability to distill profound insights into concise, yet powerful statements. Her poetry and prose are filled with witty observations about life, death, love, and the human condition.
As a poet, Stevie offered readers a unique perspective that was at once deeply personal and universally relatable. This blend of humor, pathos, and intellectual curiosity has cemented her place as one of the most beloved voices in 20th-century literature.
Quotes by Stevie Smith
Stevie Smith's insights on:
I am a forward-looking girl and don’t stay where I am. “Left right, Be bright,” as I said in my poem. That’s on days when I am one big bounce, and have to go careful then not to be a nuisance. But later I get back to my own philosophical outlook that keeps us all kissable.
If a lady comes up to you and tells you that your dear mama is lying in a faint on the pavement round the corner, don’t you believe her, don’t have anything to do with her, do not go with her into the cab. It is the White Slave Traffic.
But one wants the idea of Death, you know, as something large and unknowable, something that allows a person to stretch himself out. Especially one wants it if one is tired. Or perhaps what one wants is simply a release from sensation, from all consciousness for ever...
See the cat at love, rolling with its sweetheart, up and over, with shriek and moan. But if a person comes by, they break away, sit separate upon a fence washing their faces – and might never have met at all.
I’m alive today, therefore I’m just as much a part of our time as everybody else. The times will just have to enlarge themselves to make room for me, won’t they, and for everybody else.
I like to see cats in movement. A galloping cat is a fine sight. See it cross the road in a streak, cursed by the drivers of motor cars and buses, dodging the butcher’s bicycle, coming safe to the kerb and bellying under its home gate.