Classic and Contemporary Poets

Jones Very (1813–1880) was an American poet, essayist, and clergyman, known for his association with the Transcendentalist movement in the mid-19th century. His work, though not as widely recognized as that of some of his contemporaries, offers a unique blend of spiritual introspection and philosophical depth.

Literary Background and Influences

Very graduated from Harvard in 1836 and later became a tutor and librarian there. He was deeply influenced by the works of William Shakespeare and the Bible, which is evident in the language and themes of his poetry. His writing is also marked by the influence of the Transcendentalist movement, particularly the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, with whom he had a close association.

Association with Literary Movements

Very is closely associated with Transcendentalism, a philosophical and social movement that emerged in the 1830s and 1840s in New England. Transcendentalists believed in the inherent goodness of people and nature, emphasized individual intuition and spirituality, and advocated for self-reliance and independent thinking.

Poetic Oeuvre

Jones Very's poetry is characterized by its religious fervor, simplicity, and depth of feeling. His works often explore themes of spirituality, nature, and the divine presence in everyday life. His collection of essays and poems, published in 1839, is considered his most significant work. Although his poetic output was not large, his poems are notable for their intense spirituality and mystic vision.

Themes

*Spiritual Exploration and Mysticism: Very's poems are deeply spiritual, often exploring mystical experiences and the presence of the divine in the natural world and within the self. His work reflects a quest for spiritual truth and understanding.

*Nature and Divine Presence: Like other Transcendentalists, Very saw nature as a manifestation of the divine. His poetry frequently contemplates nature as a source of spiritual insight and revelation.

*Inner Light and Intuition: Very emphasized the importance of the "inner light" or intuition in understanding spiritual truths. His work often explores the idea that individuals can access divine wisdom through their inner experiences.

*Simplicity and Moral Purity: His poems often advocate for a life of simplicity and moral purity as a means to spiritual enlightenment. Very himself practiced a lifestyle of asceticism and vegetarianism.

Honors and Legacy

While Jones Very was not widely celebrated during his lifetime, his work has gained recognition for its intense spirituality and its contribution to the Transcendentalist movement. His poetry and essays offer a unique perspective on 19th-century American spiritual and philosophical thought.

Conclusion

Jones Very's contributions to American literature lie in his deeply spiritual poetry and essays, which reflect the core principles of Transcendentalism. His work is characterized by a profound sense of mysticism and a quest for spiritual understanding, offering insights into the spiritual and intellectual currents of his time. His legacy, though modest in comparison to some of his contemporaries, remains an important part of the Transcendentalist movement and 19th-century American literature.

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