Classic and Contemporary Poets

Arthur James Marshall Smith, widely known as A.J.M. Smith, a distinguished Canadian poet and critic, was a prominent figure in the modernist movement in Canadian literature. Born on November 8, 1902, in Montreal, Quebec, Smith's work is noted for its intellectual depth, formal precision, and engagement with both European literary traditions and Canadian themes.

Smith's literary background was deeply influenced by his education. He attended McGill University, where he became a central figure in the Montreal Group of poets, a circle that played a crucial role in the development of modernist poetry in Canada. This group sought to bring Canadian poetry into dialogue with the broader currents of modernism then transforming literature in Europe and the United States.

Early influences on Smith's work include the European modernist poets, such as T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound. However, Smith also drew inspiration from classical literature and mythology, infusing his poetry with a timeless quality while addressing contemporary concerns.

Smith is often associated with the modernist movement in Canadian literature. His poetry is characterized by its formal control and its exploration of complex philosophical and aesthetic ideas. While engaging with international modernist trends, Smith also sought to define a distinct Canadian voice, exploring themes of identity, place, and the role of the poet in a changing world.

His poetic oeuvre includes significant collections such as "News of the Phoenix" (1943) and "The Book of Canadian Poetry" (1943), an anthology that he edited which played a key role in defining the Canadian poetic canon. Smith's poetry is marked by a sense of intellectual curiosity and a mastery of form, ranging from traditional verse structures to more experimental forms.

Themes in Smith's work often revolve around the search for meaning in a modern world perceived as fragmented and chaotic. His poems frequently reflect on the nature of art and beauty, the complexities of human consciousness, and the relationship between the individual and the natural world.

Smith's influence in Canadian literature extends beyond his poetry to his work as a critic and editor. He was instrumental in fostering a modernist sensibility in Canadian poetry and in advocating for a literary culture that was both distinctly Canadian and attuned to international artistic developments.

His honors include the Governor General's Award for Poetry, one of Canada's most prestigious literary awards, recognizing his significant contribution to Canadian literature.

In conclusion, A.J.M. Smith's legacy in Canadian literature is characterized by his role in pioneering modernist poetry in Canada. His work, with its intellectual rigor, formal precision, and exploration of universal themes within a Canadian context, helped to shape the course of Canadian poetry in the 20th century. Smith's contributions as a poet, critic, and editor continue to influence Canadian writers and readers, and his poetry remains a touchstone for those seeking to understand the evolution of modernist literature in Canada.

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