WS
W. S. Merwin
108quotes
W.S. Merwin: A Life of Poetry and Activism
Full Name and Common Aliases
William Stanley Merwin was commonly known as W.S. Merwin.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 30, 1927, in New York City, USA. Passed away on March 15, 2019, at the age of 91.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American poet, translator, environmentalist, and activist.
Early Life and Background
W.S. Merwin was born to a family that valued literature and poetry. His mother, Elizabeth B. Morse, was an amateur actress and writer, while his father, Frank M. Merwin Jr., was a business consultant. The family moved frequently during Merwin's childhood, eventually settling in the rural town of Hanover, New Hampshire. This exposure to nature would later influence his writing and environmental activism.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his long and prolific career, Merwin published numerous collections of poetry, including "The Lice" (1959), "The Carrier of Ladders" (1970), and "Trilogy" (2004). He also translated works from ancient languages, such as the Greek poet Sappho. In 1985, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for his collection "Sybil Leek." Merwin's work often explored themes of nature, politics, and personal identity.
Notable Works or Actions
One of Merwin's most notable works is "The Ledge," a poem that explores the relationship between humans and the natural world. He also wrote extensively about environmental issues, advocating for conservation and sustainability. In 1993, he became a vocal opponent of clear-cutting in Hawaii's rainforests, leading to a high-profile campaign against the practice.
Impact and Legacy
W.S. Merwin's impact on American literature is immense. His poetry has been translated into numerous languages, making him one of the most widely read poets in the world. He was also a devoted teacher and mentor, inspiring generations of writers through his workshops and lectures. As an environmental activist, he played a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
W.S. Merwin's poetry is known for its accessibility and depth, making him a beloved figure among readers and scholars alike. His commitment to social justice and environmental activism has inspired countless individuals to take action on behalf of the planet. As a poet, translator, and activist, he continues to be remembered as a visionary who bridged the worlds of art and politics.
As a writer, Merwin's legacy is multifaceted. He embodied the idea that poetry can be both beautiful and powerful, capable of inspiring change in individuals and society. His work serves as a testament to the enduring power of literature to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Through his writing and activism, W.S. Merwin leaves behind a rich inheritance for future generations to cherish and learn from.
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This biography aims to capture the essence of W.S. Merwin's remarkable life, from his early experiences in nature to his later years as an advocate for environmental protection. By highlighting his major accomplishments, notable works, and lasting impact, we hope to inspire readers to explore his poetry and activism further.
Quotes by W. S. Merwin
W. S. Merwin's insights on:
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The Indians seemed to be living in a place and in a way that was of immense importance to me. So I associate learning to read - English, oddly enough - with wanting to know about Indians. I'm still growing into it. I've never outgrown that.
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We are the shadow of Sirius. There is the other side of - as we talk to each other, we see the light, and we see these faces, but we know that behind that, there's the other side, which we never know. And that - it's the dark, the unknown side that guides us, and that is part of our lives all the time. It's the mystery.
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The Arab world is erupting, which is extraordinary, and to see it happen is like watching rings spreading on a pool - it goes out; it varies so much. The spontaneity is wonderful, but very often, if it's not well organized, it breaks up, and it peters out.
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The idea of writing, to me, was, from the beginning, was writing something which was a little different from the ordinary exchange of speech. It was something that had a certain formality, something in which the words were of interest in themselves.
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The past is always - one moment it's what happened three minutes ago, and one minute it's what happened 30 years ago. And they flow into each other in ways that we can't predict and that we keep discovering in dreams, which keep bringing up feelings and moments, some of which we never actually saw.
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I go five steps in the garden, and I immediately lose track of time... it is a kind of joy in being alive in being in the world. I always found that in the garden. That is what it means to me.
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I can't imagine ever writing anything of any kind on a machine. I never tried to write either poetry or prose on a typewriter. I like to do it on useless paper, scrap paper, because it's of no importance.
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The time of wisdom cannot be measured, and for me, wisdom is the garden. There is no time in the garden.
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Jeffersonian democracy, faulty as it is, and only the fragment of it that we have, is a thing of such preciousness, a thing of such value.
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I think poetry is as old as language, and both come out of the same thing - an effort to try to express something that is inexpressible.
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