Classic and Contemporary Poets

Elizabeth Lummis Ellett (1818-1877) was an American writer, historian, and poet. Not as widely known today as some of her contemporaries, Ellett made significant contributions to nineteenth-century American literature, particularly through her work focusing on the lives of women.

Literary Background

Elizabeth Ellett was born in New York and was educated in the classics and several modern languages. Her early work consisted mainly of translations and poetic compositions. She began her literary career as a poet and translator before moving into historical writing. Ellett's most influential work was likely her historical writing which focused on the role of women in American history.

Early Influences

The early influences on Ellett's work were the gender norms and expectations of her time. She was part of the first generation of American women who sought to create a space for female writers in the literary canon. Her own writing often reflected an interest in promoting and acknowledging the contributions of women.

Poetic Schools or Movements

Ellett was not associated with any particular school or movement but was part of the broader spectrum of American Romanticism. Her work, especially her historical writings, did share some of the interest in the national past that characterized much of the Romantic movement in America.

Poetic Oeuvre: Phases and Themes

Ellett's poetic oeuvre is not as well documented or critically examined as her historical works. However, her poetry often reflected themes of nature and sentimentality, common in the Romantic tradition. She also explored the roles and perceptions of women, and her poetry frequently engaged with the notion of the domestic sphere as a source of female strength and influence.

Her most significant work, "Women of the American Revolution," is a three-volume series that chronicled the lives and contributions of women during the Revolutionary era. This work was pioneering in its focus and established Ellett as a serious historian, particularly at a time when women's historical contributions were often overlooked.

Influence and Honors

Ellett's influence is most evident in the field of women's history. Her meticulous research and documentation of women's lives provided a foundation for future historians to build upon. Although she did not receive significant honors during her lifetime, her work has gained recognition for its role in expanding the scope of historical inquiry to include women's experiences.

Conclusion

Elizabeth Lummis Ellett is a figure whose literary and historical works reflect a transition in American culture, particularly in relation to the recognition of women's roles in society. While her poetry may not have achieved the same level of fame as her historical writing, it is nonetheless part of her broader effort to represent and celebrate the experiences and contributions of women. Her legacy lies in her pioneering work as a historian of women, and while her name may not be as recognizable as some of her peers, her work helped pave the way for the development of women's history as a respected field of study.

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