Classic and Contemporary Poets

Margaret Wade Campbell Deland was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet, born on February 23, 1857, in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, which is now part of Pittsburgh. Deland is often remembered for her insightful portrayals of small-town life in America, particularly in her fictional depiction of the town of "Old Chester," based on her early years spent in Maple Grove and Manchester, Pennsylvania.

Literary Background and Early Influences

Deland's upbringing and education in Pennsylvania and later her experiences in Boston provided her with a varied background that influenced her writing. She was educated at Cooper Union in New York City and began her career as a writer of verse with the publication of "The Old Garden and Other Verses" in 1886.

She was influenced by the local color movement, a trend in American literature that sought to capture the unique qualities of setting, speech, customs, and traditions of specific regions. This is evident in her meticulous depiction of domestic life and social structures of the settings she knew.

Poetic Schools or Movements

While Deland’s work cannot be firmly placed within a specific school or movement of poetry, it does reflect the broader trends of realism and the local color movement of the late 19th century. Her poems are characterized by a sentimental and moralistic tone, reflective of Victorian values, which was common in the literature of her time.

Poetic Oeuvre: Phases and Themes

Deland's poetic work often explored themes of love, morality, and religion. Her verses convey a sense of empathy and compassion for her characters, which she portrayed with psychological depth and warmth. While her poetry was not as widely known as her novels, the same qualities that marked her prose—her nuanced character portraits and the evocation of place—were present in her poetry.

Influence and Honors

Margaret Deland’s influence was primarily in the realm of fiction, but her poetry contributed to the texture of her literary output and offered an intimate look into the themes and preoccupations that defined her work. Although she did not receive major literary awards for her poetry, her broader contributions to American literature were recognized by her contemporaries, and she was a respected figure in the literary circles of her day.

Conclusion

Margaret Deland’s literary legacy is that of a keen observer of the social and domestic mores of her time. Her writing serves as a window into the nuances of American society in the transitional period between the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly regarding the status and inner lives of women. Her poems complement her novels and short stories, enriching the understanding of her work as a whole. Deland passed away on January 13, 1945, but her works remain a testament to her skill as a storyteller and her insight into human nature and society.

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