William Carlos Williams stands as one of America's most cherished poets,
weaving the raw realities of everyday life with artistic vision. Unlike his
contemporaries who ventured abroad to soak in the bohemian allure of European
modernism, Williams stayed rooted in New Jersey, where he balanced the practice
of medicine with his literary pursuits. His friendships with influential
artists and writers enriched his work, even as he struggled internally with the
dual demands of his career and his creative soul.
Early Life and Influences
Born on September 17, 1883, in Rutherford, New Jersey, William Carlos
Williams grew up in a culturally rich environment. His father, a British
expatriate, never acquired American citizenship, while his mother hailed from a
diverse background that included French, Dutch, Spanish, and Jewish ancestry.
The Williams household was vibrant with languages like Spanish and French, and
frequented by international visitors, which left a lasting impression on young
Williams. His educational journey began in Rutherford's public schools, and he
attended the local Unitarian church, which his father helped establish. At
fourteen, Williams and his brother Edgar spent a formative year in Europe,
living in Geneva and Paris, before returning to enroll at Horace Mann School in
Manhattan. It was there, under the tutelage of William Abbott, that Williams's
passion for poetry ignited.
Academic Years and Literary Friendships
Despite his growing interest in literature, Williams initially pursued a
career in medicine in deference to his parents' wishes. He began dental studies
at the University of Pennsylvania in 1902 before switching to medicine. At
Penn, he encountered Ezra Pound and Hilda Doolittle, whose artistic fervor
deeply influenced him. Pound's commitment to poetry and his bold experiments
with form inspired Williams, who admired traditional poets like Spenser and
Keats. The introduction to avant-garde ideas and the friendship with painter
Charles Demuth further enriched his artistic vision.
The Dual Life: Medicine and Poetry
Completing his medical studies in 1906, Williams worked in New York City
hospitals before a brief stint in Germany to study pediatrics. He returned to
New Jersey in 1910 and married Florence Herman in 1912, with whom he had two
sons. Settling into life as a family doctor, Williams never abandoned his
poetic aspirations. He privately published his first poems in 1909, and by
1913, his collection The Tempers was released by the London publisher
Elkin Mathews. Despite his medical duties, Williams's association with
Poetry magazine and his inclusion in the anthology Des Imagistes
affirmed his presence in the literary world.
A Flourishing Career
The years surrounding World War I through the 1920s were prolific for
Williams. He released several acclaimed poetry collections, delved into prose,
and explored the interconnection of art forms, including visual and performing
arts. His work during this period often shifted in themes and styles as he
sought to innovate and avoid artistic stagnation.
Prose and American Themes
By 1928, with the publication of The Descent of Winter, Williams
increasingly turned to prose. He aspired to write for a broad American
audience, favoring novels and short stories to express his democratic ideals.
His writing focused on concrete details rather than abstraction, encapsulated
in his famous line "No ideas but in things." This approach became a hallmark of
his work, resonating with readers seeking authenticity and relatability.
Recognition and "Paterson"
In the 1930s, Williams gained recognition from both established and emerging
literary figures. His works were central to James Laughlin's publishing house,
New Directions, and he became a significant influence on the objectivist
movement through poets like Louis Zukofsky. The 1940s marked the inception of
his magnum opus, Paterson , a complex, multi-layered poem that...
was completed in 1958. This work, deeply connected to the place of its origin, remains a cornerstone of American poetry.
Final Years and Legacy
From the 1950s until his death in 1963, Williams continued to write and
practice medicine, all while enjoying increasing public and critical acclaim.
He received numerous awards, honorary degrees, and was frequently invited to
speak at literary events. Despite his appointment as Consultant in Poetry at
the Library of Congress being rescinded due to his past political activities,
Williams remained a key figure in American literature. Health challenges,
including strokes and a heart attack, slowed him in his later years, yet his
prolific output continued until his passing on March 4, 1963.