A Dual Life: The Poet-Lawyer of American Modernism, Wallace Stevens

In the realm of American Modernism, Wallace Stevens has cemented his legacy as a renowned poet and lawyer. Born into a well-to-do family in Reading, Pennsylvania on October 2, 1879, Stevens was raised with high expectations set by his self-made father, a lawyer and businessman.

Stevens' academic prowess was evident from a young age, and he was accepted into Harvard College in 1897. It was during his time at Harvard that he developed a love for literature and befriended philosopher and poet George Santayana. Additionally, his interest in psychological theories, particularly those of William James, would greatly impact his writing.

Though Stevens did not earn a degree from Harvard, he decided to pursue a career in journalism after three years. However, he quickly realized it was not a good fit, and instead, he enrolled in New York Law School. He graduated in 1903 and passed the state bar exam the following year.

During a visit to his hometown, Stevens met and married Elsie Kachel in 1908. However, their marriage was met with disapproval from Stevens' father, who felt that Elsie lacked wealth and social status. This caused a rift between Stevens and his family. While working for the American Bonding Company and the Equitable Surety Company in New York City, Stevens remained involved in the avant-garde art scene.

In 1916, Stevens relocated to Hartford, Connecticut, where he spent the rest of his career and eventually became vice president of the Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company. Despite his busy schedule, Stevens continued to write and publish poetry. His debut collection, "Harmonium," was released in 1923.

As Stevens' marriage to Elsie deteriorated, they lived apart with minimal communication. He often traveled for work and frequently returned to Key West, Florida, where he socialized with other literary luminaries like Robert Frost and Ernest Hemingway.

Despite the challenges in his personal and professional life, Stevens gained recognition as a brilliant poet and continued to write until his passing. His work reflects philosophical themes and contemplations on nature, reality, imagination, belief, and language, cementing his place as one of the greatest American poets of his time.

An Unlikely Poet: The Late-Blooming Success of Wallace Stevens

Despite writing poetry for over four decades, it wasn't until Stevens was in his 60s that he gained critical acclaim and widespread popularity. In the mid-1940s, he received honorary doctorates from both Wesleyan University and Harvard, and even turned down a professorship at Harvard to focus on his work in Hartford. In the early 1950s, Stevens' poetry continued to earn accolades, including the National Book Award for "Auroras of Autumn" in 1951 and the Pulitzer Prize for his "Collected Poems" in 1955. However, his life was cut short by complications from stomach cancer on August 2, 1955.

Exploring Themes: The Poetry of Wallace Stevens

Stevens' work delves into the realms of philosophy and religion, examining concepts of reality, imagination, belief, language, and art. His diverse range of topics is reflected in the hundreds of poems published throughout his career, all of which touch upon these fundamental themes.

Encounters with Nature

Influenced by the groundbreaking discoveries of the physical sciences in his lifetime – such as special relativity, quantum physics, and thermodynamics – Stevens often sought inspiration from nature. Unlike the Romantic poets of the past, Stevens viewed nature through a lens of complexity and mystery, shaped by his understanding of the universe. He believed that the innocence of Romanticism was lost in the modern world, where nature is unfathomable and indifferent to human interests. Despite this, Stevens maintained that meaning could be found in the natural world, and it is the role of poetry to uncover it.

The Influence of Science

The advancements in science during Stevens' lifetime had a profound impact on his perception of the world. In biology, the discovery of genetic inheritance solidified the theory of evolution by natural selection as the dominant understanding of how species come to exist.

Wallace Stevens, one of the most influential modern poets, challenged traditional religious beliefs by exploring the impact of science on our understanding of the world. His exposure to radical thinkers during his time at Harvard sparked a lifelong contemplation of the role of religion and poetry in the modern world. While he claimed to not be an atheist, he also stated that his belief in God had significantly changed since his childhood. Stevens' works often delve into the concept of belief and its relevance in a world where traditional religion holds less significance.

The Interplay of Reality and Imagination in Stevens' Poetry

Throughout his poetry, Stevens often contrasts the "world of imagination" with the "gaunt world of reason." He believed that these two worlds coexist and offer different perspectives on experiencing and understanding reality. While reason and facts are essential for navigating the world, Stevens argued that poetry and imagination provide a more meaningful and pleasurable way of experiencing truth. This interplay between reality and imagination is a crucial element in understanding Stevens' work.

The Significance of Language in Stevens' Poems

Language holds a significant place in many of Wallace Stevens' poems. He frequently uses unusual, archaic, and foreign words, making his poetry challenging to read. However, his use of language goes beyond just word choice. Stevens' fascination with metaphor is evident in the titles of over a dozen of his poems. He sees metaphor as a powerful tool for understanding the world, but also acknowledges that some ingrained metaphors can be limiting. Despite not fully subscribing to these metaphors, Stevens recognizes the difficulty in breaking free from them and sees it as a challenge for poets to create new and innovative forms of expression within the constraints of inherited language.

Metaphor: A literary device that compares two things, often by stating that one thing is another.

The Influence of Art on Stevens' Works

Living during a time of significant developments and experimentation in the visual arts, Stevens witnessed the rise of movements such as impressionism, cubism, and surrealism. As a young lawyer in New York, he frequently visited art galleries and even befriended some of the avant-garde artists. Like many modernist poets, Stevens drew inspiration from the visual arts, particularly the works of Picasso and Cezanne. In his poem "The Man with the Blue Guitar" (1937), he directly addresses their art. Stevens was particularly drawn to the idea of art being a reflection of perception rather than an objective representation of reality. He saw painting and poetry as having a fundamental similarity, both utilizing the imagination to give meaning to the world. This is evident in his poems, where he often employs vivid and unconventional visual descriptions, focusing on details of color, shading, and shape from unique perspectives.

A mural of Van Gogh's "Starry Night" Pixabay

The Poetry of Wallace Stevens

Stevens began writing poetry during his studies at Harvard and continued to write and publish throughout his career as a journalist and lawyer. Many of his best-known works, including those discussed below, were published in the first three decades of the 20th century.

Sunday Morning

"Sunday Morning" (1915) marked Stevens' debut as a major poet and set the tone for his future works. The poem centers around the theme of religion and its place in the modern world. It challenged traditional beliefs by presenting a reality that defied logic, influenced by Stevens' understanding of physics and the concept of nature as a world of relativity, spacetime, and subatomic particles. Stevens' unique perspective on the coexistence of imagination and reason is also evident in this poem, as he explores the idea of finding meaning and pleasure in the world through poetry rather than traditional religious beliefs.

Exploring the Works of Wallace Stevens: Reality, Imagination, and the Impact of Science

Wallace Stevens, a prominent modern poet, was deeply influenced by his religious upbringing and exposure to radical thinkers during his time at Harvard. This sparked a lifelong contemplation of the role of religion and poetry in the modern world. While he claimed to not be an atheist, he also stated that his belief in God had changed significantly since his childhood. Stevens' works often explore the idea of belief and its place in a world where traditional religion holds less significance for people.

The Power of Language in Stevens' Poetry

Language is a recurring theme in many of Wallace Stevens' poems. He often employs unusual, archaic, and foreign words, making his poetry challenging to read. However, his use of language goes beyond just word choice. Stevens' fascination with metaphor is evident in the titles of over a dozen of his poems. He sees metaphor as a powerful tool for understanding the world, but he also acknowledges that some ingrained metaphors can be limiting. For instance, the Christian metaphor of the human world as a fallen place and the Romantic metaphor of nature as a spiritual source are frequently addressed in his works. Despite not fully subscribing to these metaphors, Stevens recognizes the difficulty in breaking free from them and sees it as a challenge for poets to create new and innovative forms of expression within the confines of inherited language.

Metaphor: A literary device that compares two things, often by stating that one thing is another.

The Influence of Art on Stevens' Poetry

Living during a time of significant developments and experimentation in the visual arts, Stevens witnessed the rise of movements such as impressionism, cubism, and surrealism. As a young lawyer in New York, he frequently visited art galleries and even befriended some of the avant-garde artists. Like many modernist poets, Stevens drew inspiration from the visual arts, particularly the works of Picasso and Cezanne. In his poem "The Man with the Blue Guitar" (1937), he directly addresses their art. Stevens was particularly drawn to the idea of art being a reflection of perception rather than an objective representation of reality. He saw painting and poetry as having a fundamental similarity, both utilizing the imagination to give meaning to the world. This is evident in his poems, where he often employs vivid and unconventional visual descriptions, focusing on details of color, shading, and shape from unique perspectives.

A mural of Van Gogh's "Starry Night" Pixabay

The Poetry of Wallace Stevens

Stevens began writing poetry during his studies at Harvard and continued to write and publish throughout his career as a journalist and lawyer. Many of his best-known works, including those discussed above, were published in the first three decades of the 20th century.

Sunday Morning

"Sunday Morning" (1915) marked Stevens' debut as a major poet and set the tone for his future works. The poem centers around the theme of religion and its place in the modern world. It challenged traditional beliefs by presenting a reality that defied logic, influenced by Stevens' understanding of physics and the concept of nature as a world of relativity, spacetime, and subatomic particles. Stevens' unique perspective on the coexistence of imagination and reason is also evident in this poem, as he explores the idea of finding meaning and pleasure in the world through poetry rather than traditional religious beliefs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the works of Wallace Stevens delve into complex themes of reality, imagination, and the impact of science on our perceptions of the world. His unconventional path to critical acclaim and his unique perspective on nature and human experience make him a truly remarkable and influential poet of the 20th century.

The Significance of Life and Death in Wallace Stevens' 'The Emperor of Ice Cream' and 'The Man on the Dump'

In Wallace Stevens' poems 'The Emperor of Ice Cream' and 'The Man on the Dump', the speaker reflects on the duality of reason and imagination. The contrasting images of exuberance and mundanity in these works bring attention to the inevitable reality of death.Published in 1922, 'The Emperor of Ice Cream' opens with vibrant and extravagant imagery, such as "big cigars," "concupiscent curds," and "flowers in last month's newspapers" (Stanza 1, lines 1-6). However, the tone shifts in the second stanza with the introduction of a worn-out dresser and a lifeless body hidden under a sheet. This sudden contrast serves as a reminder that death is always lurking, even in moments of joy and indulgence.Similarly, 'The Man on the Dump', published in 1923, presents a scene of chaos and disorder in a landfill. Amidst the piles of garbage, the speaker highlights a broken jar, a symbol of order and containment. The juxtaposition of the jar against the chaotic landscape emphasizes the fragility of human attempts to control and understand the world.Despite the seemingly bleak themes of these poems, they also offer a sense of acceptance and even celebration of life's fleeting nature. In 'The Emperor of Ice Cream', the speaker urges us to "let be be finale of seem" (Stanza 2, line 9), embracing the beauty and transience of life. Similarly, 'The Man on the Dump' concludes with the image of a "gray jar" standing tall amidst the wildness, reminding us that even in death, there is a sense of order and significance.Through his thought-provoking poems, Stevens challenges us to contemplate the idea of life and death, and the role of humanity in the grand scheme of the universe. As we navigate through the complexities of existence, these poems serve as a poignant reminder to appreciate the fleeting beauty in the world around us.

The Theme of Impermanence and the Power of Metaphor in Wallace Stevens' Poetry

Wallace Stevens, a renowned poet, delves into the concepts of life and death, language, and the purpose of poetry in his works. Through his use of metaphors and contrast, Stevens challenges readers to contemplate the nature of existence and the role of reason and imagination in shaping our perspectives.

Metaphysics in Stevens' Poetry

In his poem "The Emperor of Ice Cream," Stevens explores the idea of reality and perception, drawing on the concept of reality in itself from philosopher Immanuel Kant. He plays with the idea of a tangible reality versus the subjective world of imagination and how the two intersect.

Examining Knowledge and Reality

In connection with metaphysics, Stevens delves into epistemology, the study of knowledge, and the question of whether we can have knowledge of reality. While Kant argues that it is not possible, Stevens' concept of a "mundo" suggests that we can gain knowledge through reason and imagination.

The Ethical Perspective in Stevens' Poetry

Ethics also play a role in Stevens' poetry, as he believed that art, particularly poetry, was essential in affirming the value of human life in a seemingly meaningless world. He saw poetry as a liberating force that offers insight and evokes emotion.

The Philosophical Insights of Wallace Stevens

Stevens' poetry contains thought-provoking quotes that offer insight into his thoughts on the relationship between poetry, language, and reality. While he primarily conveyed his ideas through poetry, he also discussed them in lectures and essays later in life.

The Intersection of Poetry and Philosophy

Stevens described poetry as a "nature created by the poet," a clear distinction between the world of imagination and reality. He also noted the connection between poetry and philosophy in their ability to create ideas, with poetry being more concerned with impact and beauty rather than necessity and truth.

The Role of Death, Beauty, and Meaning

In his poem "Sunday Morning," Stevens reflects on the concept of death, stating that it is the "mother of beauty," suggesting that death gives meaning and significance to life. He also challenges readers to find beauty and pleasure in the present moment, rather than seeking it in vain earthly pursuits.

Wallace Stevens: A Modernist Exploration of Belief and Art

Wallace Stevens, an influential figure in American Modernist poetry, challenged traditional ideas of God and religion in his writing. Born in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1879, Stevens pursued a career in law and worked for an insurance company while also developing his skills as a poet. He drew inspiration from philosophical theories about the nature of reality and scientific advancements in fields such as physics and biology.

One of Stevens' central themes was the concept of belief in the modern world. He believed that it is not the existence of God that matters, but rather the belief in the possibility of meaning and purpose in our lives. Rather than traditional religious beliefs, Stevens found this belief through art, language, and imagination.

Stevens' writing style is often described as complex and enigmatic, incorporating rare and archaic words and drawing from French, German, and Latin. His unique syntax only adds to the ambiguity of his work, as he questions the limitations of language and communication.

In his renowned poem "Sunday Morning", Stevens delves into the idea of art and poetry as a substitute for religious belief in the modern era. Other notable works include "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird", "The Anecdote of the Jar", "The Emperor of Ice Cream", and "The Man on the Dump".

The Legacy of Wallace Stevens

Stevens' impact on modernist poetry has been significant, often mentioned alongside other acclaimed poets like T.S. Eliot, Robert Frost, and William Carlos Williams. His daughter's collection of his works includes over 200 poems, showcasing his prolific writing career. Despite his busy schedule, Stevens continued to write and publish for over 40 years.

In conclusion, Wallace Stevens' exploration of the relationship between belief and art remains relevant and thought-provoking even today. His literary legacy is undeniable, and his works continue to challenge and inspire readers. Through his writing, Stevens invites us to contemplate the meaning and purpose of our existence, regardless of our beliefs in traditional religion.

References

• F. Kermode. Wallace Stevens. Oliver and Body, 1960.
• J. McDaniel. “Wallace Stevens and the Scientific Imagination.” Contemporary Literature, Vol. 15 No. 2, Spring, 1974, pp. 221-237.
• J. Serio. The Cambridge Companion to Wallace Stevens. Cambridge University Press, 2007.
• W. Stevens. The Palm at the End of the Mind. Vintage, 1971.