Randall Jarrell

Definition

Randall Jarrell was an American poet, critic, and novelist who gained prominence in the mid-20th century, especially noted for his works reflecting the impact of World War II. His poetry often delves into themes of war, loss, and the human experience, making him a significant voice in World War II literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Randall Jarrell served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, which deeply influenced his writing and themes.
2. His poetry is characterized by its emotional intensity and vivid imagery, often exploring the psychological effects of war on individuals.
3. Jarrell won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1963 for his work 'The Woman at the Washington Zoo'.
4. He also wrote extensively as a critic and scholar, analyzing contemporary poetry and advocating for a more empathetic understanding of poetic voices.
5. Jarrell's most famous poems include 'The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner', which starkly illustrates the horrors of war through a single powerful image.

Review Questions

• How did Randall Jarrell's experiences during World War II shape his literary themes and style?
  • Randall Jarrell's experiences as a soldier in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II profoundly impacted his writing. His poetry reflects the emotional turmoil and psychological effects of war, capturing feelings of loss and despair. The vivid imagery he employed often highlights the stark realities faced by soldiers, making his work resonate with those who experienced similar traumas.
• Discuss the significance of Randall Jarrell's contributions to modern American poetry and how they relate to post-war sentiments.
  • Randall Jarrell's contributions to modern American poetry are significant due to his ability to convey complex emotions associated with war and its aftermath. His works resonate with post-war sentiments, exploring themes of disillusionment and existential crisis. By employing a blend of poetic realism and modernist techniques, he created a unique voice that reflects both personal experiences and broader societal issues faced after World War II.
• Evaluate how Randall Jarrell's criticism influenced contemporary poetry and shaped the understanding of literary movements in the mid-20th century.
  • Randall Jarrell's criticism played a crucial role in shaping contemporary poetry and the broader literary landscape of the mid-20th century. He advocated for a deeper emotional engagement with poetry, challenging poets to explore their inner lives while addressing societal issues. His insights into modernism and poetic realism helped define these movements, encouraging a generation of writers to reflect on personal experiences amidst historical contexts like World War II.

Related terms

Modernism: A cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms and a focus on new perspectives, often reflecting the disillusionment of the post-war era.

Poetic Realism: A literary approach that seeks to depict life accurately while still capturing emotional depth, often seen in Jarrell's works as he portrayed the stark realities of war.

The Wasteland: A landmark poem by T.S. Eliot that reflects the disillusionment of the post-World War I generation, influencing many poets of Jarrell's time.