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Edna St Vincent MillayAmerican poet
Date of Birth: 22.02.1892
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Edna St. Vincent Millay: Biography
- Early Life and Education
- Renascence and Early Success
- Life in New York and Rising Fame
- Style and Themes
- Personal Life and Relationships
- Legacy and Tragic End
Edna St. Vincent Millay: Biography
IntroductionEdna St. Vincent Millay was an American poet and playwright, recognized as one of the most famous poets of the 20th century in the United States.
Early Life and Education
Born into a family of a nurse and a teacher, Edna St. Vincent Millay grew up without a father. Her mother often traveled with her daughters from city to city in search of work, teaching them independence and a love for literature. It was during her college years in Camden, Maine that Millay's literary talents flourished, and she began publishing her work at the age of 15.
Renascence and Early Success
In 1912, Millay's poem "Renascence" placed fourth in the "Poem of the Year" contest in the United States, causing a scandal as many believed it deserved first place. The winner acknowledged that he was receiving the prize reluctantly and the second-place poet gave his award to Millay. This incident catapulted Millay to fame, and wealthy woman Caroline Dow funded her education at Vassar College.
Life in New York and Rising Fame
After graduating from Vassar College in 1917, Edna St. Vincent Millay moved to New York City. She resided in Greenwich Village and embraced a bohemian lifestyle. Her reputation continued to grow, and in 1923, her collection "Harp-Weaver and other poems" received the Pulitzer Prize, making her the first woman to win this award for poetry.
Style and Themes
Millay was a master of the sonnet and ballad forms, drawing inspiration from classical traditions. Her works also reflected the echoes of societal issues, such as the role of women. However, her reputation suffered due to her patriotic poems written during World War II. Critics accused her of provoking more attacks from American critics with her poems supporting democracy than Ezra Pound did with his poems defending fascism.
Personal Life and Relationships
Edna St. Vincent Millay openly embraced her bisexuality and advocated for "free love." Her romantic relationships had a significant influence on her life and work. Notable partners included critic Edmund Wilson and poet George Dillon, with whom she translated Baudelaire's "Les Fleurs du Mal." In 1923, she married Dutch importer Eugen Boissevain, who provided significant support throughout her life.
Legacy and Tragic End
Edna St. Vincent Millay passed away a year after her husband. She was found dead in her own home, the result of a fall down the stairs. Despite the tragic end, Millay's contributions to poetry were recognized, and during the war, she received the Robert Frost Medal for her outstanding contributions to poetry.
