Marianne Moore, born on November 15, 1887, in Kirkwood, Missouri, emerged as
a significant figure in modernist poetry. Her life was marked by a series of
personal and professional shifts, deeply influenced by her early separation
from her father and the formative presence of her family. Moore’s journey into
the literary world was shaped by her academic pursuits and the influential
literary figures she encountered along the way.
Early Life and Education
Raised without her father, who had been institutionalized before her birth,
Moore’s childhood unfolded in the company of her mother, brother, and
grandfather near St. Louis until she was seven. The family relocated to
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where her mother taught English at the Metzger
Institute for Girls. Moore received her early education at the same institute
before advancing to Bryn Mawr College. There, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree
in biology and histology, graduating in 1909. Her time at Bryn Mawr was
pivotal, as she began publishing poems in the college's literary magazine and
encountered new artistic movements through Goddard King, a lecturer in
comparative literature and art history, who introduced her to the works of
Picasso and other avant-garde European artists.
Career Beginnings
Following her graduation, Moore undertook a business course at Carlisle
Commercial College and embarked on a European vacation with her mother,
exploring the cultural landscapes of France and England. Upon returning to
America, Moore commenced her teaching career in Carlisle, educating students in
English and business subjects at the United States Industrial Indian School.
Despite having published poems in college, it was in 1915 that Moore attracted
broader attention, as her works featured in esteemed literary journals such as
the Egoist. Her relocation to Chatham, New Jersey, in 1916 stemmed from
an invitation by her brother, Warner Moore, a newly ordained Presbyterian
minister. In 1918, Moore and her mother moved to a basement apartment in
Greenwich Village, New York, where she juggled roles as a secretary and tutor
while working at the Hudson Park branch of the New York Public Library.
Establishing a Literary Reputation
The 1920s marked a prolific era for Moore, as she released her first three
poetry collections. Her literary prowess was recognized when she received a
$2,000 award from the Dial Press in 1924, sparking intrigue and debate within
literary circles. A year later, Moore ascended to the role of editor at The
Dial, a position that connected her with prominent literary figures of the
period, including T. S. Eliot, Conrad Aiken, William Butler Yeats, Ezra Pound,
and Malcolm Cowley. Though the magazine ceased in 1929, Moore had cemented her
reputation and continued to support herself and her mother by writing essays
and reviews. Relocating to Brooklyn that same year to be closer to her brother,
now serving at the Brooklyn Naval Yard, Moore remained there until 1966 when
safety concerns prompted a move back to Manhattan. Throughout her life, Moore
primarily sustained herself as a freelance writer, except for brief teaching
stints at the Cummington School in Massachusetts during 1941 and at Bryn Mawr
in 1953.
Recognition and Legacy
Moore's literary contributions garnered numerous accolades, including the
Poetry Society of America’s Gold Medal for Distinguished Development, the
National Medal for Literature, and an honorary degree from Harvard University.
Her work continues to resonate, with contemporary poets and critics like Grace
Schulman and Tess Gallagher lauding her as a pivotal figure in modernist
literature. Moore’s enduring influence and celebrated career underscore her
position as a leading light in the poetic landscape of the 20th century. She
passed away in 1972, leaving behind a legacy cherished by readers and scholars
alike.