Biography
Randall Jarrell emerged as a significant literary figure against the backdrop of modernist upheaval and impending global conflict. Born in Nashville on May 6, 1914, Jarrell's early years were marked by instability, with the breakdown of his parents' marriage and frequent relocations. His longing for a sense of belonging and home would become a recurring theme in his poetic work.
Formative Years and Literary Influences
Jarrell's academic journey began at Vanderbilt University, where he developed a profound interest in literature, influenced by the esteemed scholar John Crowe Ransom. Ransom, along with Robert Penn Warren and Allen Tate, was pivotal in revitalizing Southern poetry during the 1920s and 1930s. Robert Lowell, a peer who became a lifelong friend, also played a crucial role in shaping Jarrell's poetic voice.
Academic Pursuits and Early Teaching Career
After earning his bachelor's and master's degrees from Vanderbilt in 1935 and 1938, Jarrell joined the faculty at Kenyon College, following in the footsteps of his mentor, Ransom. His tenure at Kenyon spanned from 1937 to 1939, after which he transitioned to the University of Texas at Austin, initially sharing accommodations with Robert Lowell. Jarrell married Mackie Langham in 1939 and continued teaching at the University of Texas until 1942, releasing his first book, Blood for a Stranger, that same year.
World War II and Its Impact
Though Jarrell did not see combat, having been turned down as a pilot candidate, he served by training Air Force pilots, gaining insights into the war that would enrich his poetry. His role in the "celestial navigation tower" provided him with experiences that deepened his understanding of the universal themes of loss, a recurring motif in his work.
Post-War Endeavors and Literary Contributions
Upon returning from the war, Jarrell resumed his academic career at Sarah Lawrence College and took on the role of literary editor for The Nation. In 1947, he secured a position at the Women's College of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where his wife also worked. Despite professional successes, his personal life faced challenges, resulting in a divorce from Mackie in 1952. That same year, he married Mary Eloise von Schrader. His stature in the literary world continued to rise, leading to numerous accolades and teaching opportunities.
The Acclaimed Critic and Poet
As editor of The Nation, Jarrell earned a reputation for his sharp-tongued critiques that commanded both respect and fear. Known for his forthright and assertive remarks on poetics, his work often blended elegiac tones with a nostalgic lens. His essays remained piercingly insightful and impactful.
Expanding Horizons: Translation and Children's Literature
In 1962, inspired by his poem “The Marchen,” editor Michael di Capua encouraged Jarrell to translate fairy tales, which he accomplished with notable success. This venture led him into the realm of children's literature, where his brief yet impactful contributions included The Gingerbread Rabbit and The Bat-Poet in 1964. His ability to capture the innocence and perspective of a child's world allowed him to weave imaginative tales of mythical creatures and talking animals.
Challenges and Tragic End
Despite his public triumphs, Jarrell's final years were overshadowed by health issues and depression. Diagnosed with hepatitis in 1962, his health remained fragile, and he experienced a severe nervous breakdown. These struggles led to fluctuating periods of optimism and deep discouragement about his work. Tragically, Jarrell's life came to an abrupt end on October 14, 1965, when he was struck by a car on a desolate road. Although the circumstances of his death fueled speculation about a possible suicide, it was ultimately deemed an accident by the authorities. His enduring legacy was cemented with the posthumous publication of his major poetry collection, The Lost World.
Criticism by Randall Jarrell
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Levels and Opposites: Structure in Poetry
Randall Jarrell Criticism
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Her Shield
Marianne Moore Criticism
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A review of The Green Waves
Muriel Rukeyser Criticism
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Chekhov and the Play
Three Sisters Criticism
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Review of The Fall of the City
Archibald MacLeish Criticism
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Ernie Pyle
Ernie Pyle Criticism
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The Morality of Mr. Winters
Yvor Winters Criticism
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Corrective for Critics
Yvor Winters Criticism
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Recent Poetry: 'Wilderness Stair'
Ben Belitt Criticism
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Aristotle Alive!
R(onald) S(almon) Crane Criticism
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