Classic and Contemporary Poets

Howard Nemerov (1920–1991) was a prominent American poet whose work is characterized by its formal elegance, intellectual depth, and a contemplative approach to everyday subjects. Born into a talented family — his sister was the celebrated photographer Diane Arbus — Nemerov's upbringing in New York City and his service as a pilot in World War II deeply influenced his poetry.

Nemerov's literary background is rich and diverse. He was well-educated, having studied at Harvard University, where he absorbed the traditions of English literature and the emerging currents of modernism. His early work shows the influence of the Metaphysical poets, whose blend of intellectual complexity and emotional intensity can also be found in his poetry.

He is often associated with the mid-20th century formalist poets, a group sometimes referred to as the "New Critics." This movement emphasized the craftsmanship of poetry and often looked to traditional forms and structures as a means of grappling with the modern world. However, Nemerov's poetry also contains elements that are at odds with the strict formalism of his contemporaries; he was known for his versatility and ability to shift between formal control and a more free, conversational tone.

Nemerov's poetic oeuvre includes numerous collections such as "The Salt Garden" (1955), "The Blue Swallows" (1967), "Gnomes & Occasions" (1973), and "The Collected Poems of Howard Nemerov" (1977), which won both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. His poetry often reflects on nature, the passage of time, and the philosophical puzzles of existence. He had a particular talent for finding profound significance in the mundane and for using his wit and irony to comment on the absurdities of life.

Throughout his work, Nemerov was deeply concerned with themes of history, memory, and the role of the artist in society. His poetry often interrogated the function of language and the power of the written word, and he was preoccupied with the interplay between reality and the imagination.

One of Nemerov's most enduring contributions to poetry is his skilled use of form to engage with complex ideas. He demonstrated a masterful command of meter and rhyme, using them not merely as ornamental aspects of his poetry, but as integral components of meaning. His poems are crafted with a precision that allows the formal aspects of verse to enhance their expressive power.

Nemerov served as Poet Laureate of the United States on two separate occasions, from 1963 to 1964 and from 1988 to 1990. His tenure in this role underscored his significant influence on American letters. In addition to his poetry, he was a respected critic, essayist, and novelist, further showcasing his literary versatility.

In conclusion, Howard Nemerov's poetry is marked by a remarkable blend of intellectual rigor, formal mastery, and accessibility. He deftly combined traditional poetic forms with modern sensibilities, earning him a place among the most important poets of his generation. His explorations of the human condition, reflections on nature and the cosmos, and his commentary on the role of the poet and language itself, continue to resonate with readers and bear witness to his enduring legacy in the landscape of American poetry.

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