William Empson, a notable figure in the world of English literature, left an indelible mark as both a poet and critic. Serving as a professor at Sheffield University from 1953 to 1971, he gained prominence for his innovative literary criticism and his poetic endeavors. Empson's most celebrated work remains his inaugural book, Seven Types of Ambiguity, which has significantly influenced literary studies.

Early Education and Literary Beginnings

Empson's academic journey began at Winchester College and continued at Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he initially pursued mathematics, earning his bachelor's degree in 1929. However, his true passion lay in literature, a field he explored under the mentorship of the esteemed critic I. A. Richards at Cambridge in 1928. His thesis evolved into the groundbreaking Seven Types of Ambiguity, published in 1930, marking his first major contribution to literary criticism. Empson's collaboration with Richards focused on the complexities of language and its multifaceted interpretations, setting the stage for his future works.

Poetic Works and Style

Empson's foray into poetry began soon after he completed his degree in mathematics. He privately published Letter IV and a collection titled Poems, which established his unique style. The 1935 publication of his third poetry collection, also named Poems, made a significant impact on the British literary scene, showcasing his profound yet despair-laden verse. Empson's poetry, totaling fifty-six pieces, often reflected themes of human struggle and existential conflict, as seen in lines like “Twixt devil and deep sea, man hacks his caves.”

Academic and Professional Endeavors

Before his long tenure at Sheffield University, Empson taught at Tokyo University between 1931 and 1934, and later at Peking National University, both pre- and post-World War II. He also spent time teaching at Kenyon College in Ohio across several years. Beyond academia, Empson contributed to the British Broadcasting Corporation during the 1940s, serving as the Chinese editor for the Far Eastern section from 1941 to 1946. In recognition of his significant contributions, he was knighted in 1979.

Influential Literary Theories

Many critics assert that even if Empson had ceased writing in his twenties, his reputation would have endured due to his pioneering work in Seven Types of Ambiguity. This book bridged the gap between I. A. Richards's practical criticism and the meticulous analysis advocated by American New Criticism. Empson's analysis drew on free associative techniques akin to Freudian psychoanalysis, delving into the psychological motives of authors. His work often sparked controversy for its adventurous interpretations, such as his analysis of Shakespeare’s “Bare ruined choirs where late the sweet birds sang.” Empson's methodology sought to unveil the complex layers of meaning within literary texts.

Further Critical Works

Empson's subsequent book, Some Versions of Pastoral, offered a more cohesive exploration of the interaction between the impoverished shepherd and affluent master, scrutinizing the socio-political undertones of pastoral literature. Through seven essays, Empson dissected the disparities between the traditional pastoral and the mock pastoral. His final essay in this collection, interpreting Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland as a metaphor for birth trauma, exemplified his skill in Freudian analysis.

Exploration of Language

In The Structure of Complex Words, Empson tackled the intricate relationship between words and their meanings, proposing methodologies for dictionary construction and conducting literary critiques of pivotal terms within texts by Shakespeare, Pope, and Milton. He challenged Richards's focus on the emotional significance of words, positing that their referential meanings were equally pivotal. Empson's holistic approach continued to emphasize the importance of context, plot, and theme in literary analysis.

Controversial Criticism on Milton

In his fourth critique, Milton’s God , Empson boldly questioned the Christian doctrine...