Facts about Ezra Pound

 

Learn some interesting facts 

about Ezra Pound.  

 

This week’s famous poet is Ezra Pound. Last week’s famous poet was William Butler Yeats. 

Ezra Pound, a renowned and prolific poet and writer, embarked on his poetic journey at an impressively young age, beginning his creative endeavors before he even turned eleven. Throughout his lifetime, he produced an extraordinary body of work, authoring over sixty books of poetry that showcase a diverse range of themes and a distinctive style that has profoundly influenced modern literature. Born on October 30, 1885, in Hailey, Idaho, Pound was the only child of Homer Loomis Pound, a mining engineer, and Isabel Weston, a schoolteacher. This unique upbringing in a small town may have shaped his early perceptions and literary inspirations, ultimately leading him to become one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century.

 Here is a list of some poems by Ezra Pound: 

• Francesca
• A Pact
• The Sea of Glass
• The Return
• Papyrus
• Canto V
• Come My Cantilations
• Portrait d'une Femme
• Liu Ch'e
• The River-Merchant's Wife: A Letter

Parents/caretakers, be sure poems are child-friendly before reading them to your child/children.

 

Interesting facts about Ezra Pound: 

1. Ezra Pound, a renowned poet, was born on October 30, 1885, in Hailey, Idaho. He died in Venice, Italy, on November 1, 1972, at the age of eighty-seven.

2. Ezra Pound, a prominent figure in modernist poetry, created a monumental work titled *The Cantos*. This ambitious poem spans around 800 pages and remains unfinished, a testament to Pound's relentless exploration of themes such as history, culture, and economics. Within this extensive collection, there are approximately 120 distinct poems, each varying in style and form, reflecting Pound's innovative approach to poetic expression. The Cantos is not just a single poem but rather a complex tapestry of ideas and influences, drawing from a wide range of sources including classical literature, contemporary politics, and personal experiences.

3. The following is one of Ezra Pound’s poems:

A Pact

I make truce with you, Walt Whitman—

I have detested you long enough.

I come to you as a grown child

Who has had a pig-headed father;

I am old enough now to make friends.

It was you that broke the new wood,

Now is a time for carving.

We have one sap and one root—

Let there be commerce between us.

(You can print out a worksheet on this poem. The worksheet is designed to help you engage more deeply with the poem. You will fill in the missing words in the poem, which will enhance your understanding of Pound's poetic style and the themes he explores.) 

4. In 1896, when Ezra Pound was just eleven years old, he had a significant milestone in his early literary career: his very first limerick was published. This noteworthy event took place in the local newspaper, the Jenkintown Times-Chronicle. The young Pound's work not only showcased his precocious talent for poetry but also marked the beginning of what would become a prolific and influential writing journey. His ability to craft a limerick at such a young age hinted at the creative genius that would later flourish throughout his life.

5. Ezra Pound's educational journey commenced in 1892, marked by his attendance at various institutions that laid the foundation for his future pursuits. At the age of twelve, he began his studies at Cheltenham Military Academy, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous curriculum and disciplined environment. He remained at the academy for approximately three years, immersing himself in the structured lifestyle; yet, ultimately, he did not complete his studies there, a recurring theme in his academic life.

In 1901, Pound shifted gears and enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, where he explored a broader array of subjects, particularly those that would contribute to his burgeoning interest in literature and the arts. Two years later, in 1903, seeking a more conducive atmosphere for his creative aspirations, he transferred to Hamilton College in New York. It was at Hamilton where Pound truly began to flourish intellectually, engaging with the works of classical and contemporary poets alike.

After dedicating himself to his studies and demonstrating a profound talent for poetry, he graduated from Hamilton College in 1905. These formative educational experiences, marked by both challenges and inspirations, significantly influenced his intellectual development and would later play a vital role in his evolution as a groundbreaking poet and a prominent figure in modern literature.

6. In 1907, Ezra Pound took on a teaching position at Wabash College, located in Crawfordsville, Indiana. During his time there, he showcased his exceptional linguistic talents by instructing a diverse group of 345 students in both French and Spanish. Pound's ability to communicate fluently in multiple languages highlighted not only his remarkable intellectual capabilities but also his deep commitment to fostering a global perspective among his students. His classroom became a hub of cultural exchange, as he encouraged his pupils to explore the nuances of these languages and understand the rich literary traditions behind them, further reflecting his passion for broadening intellectual horizons for both himself and his students.

Some languages Ezra Pound learned and taught:

English

French

German

Greek

Italian

Latin

Spanish

 7. In the year 1914, noted poet Ezra Pound entered into marriage with Dorothy Shakespear, who was not only his partner but also a pivotal figure in his life. Together, they welcomed a son named Omar Shakespear Pound, whose birth added a new dimension to their relationship. 

In addition to his son with Dorothy, Pound had a daughter named Mary de Rachewiltz, born from his relationship with Olga Rudge, a woman with whom he shared a deep but complicated bond, though they were never wed. This intricate family dynamic, marked by both love and tension, profoundly influenced Pound's artistic vision and personal experiences. The interplay of these relationships provided rich material for his literary work, reflecting the complexities of his character and life choices.

Children of Ezra Pound:

Omar Shakespear Pound (1926-2010)

Mary de Rachewiltz (1925-)

8. In 1927, the literary world acknowledged Ezra Pound's significant contributions to poetry and literature when he received The Dial Poetry Award, a highly esteemed honor in the literary community. This award came with a generous prize of $2,000, a substantial amount at the time, reflecting the recognition of his influential work. The accolade not only underscored Pound's profound impact on modernist poetry but also highlighted his role in shaping the literary landscape of the early 20th century. His innovative style and commitment to advancing poetic forms continue to resonate, ensuring that his contributions are celebrated and studied by writers and scholars to this day.

9. In 1949, the course of Ezra Pound's life changed drastically when he was arrested on charges of treason against the United States. This arrest stemmed from his controversial wartime broadcasts in Italy during World War II, in which he expressed support for fascist policies and criticized American involvement in the war. The treason charges encompassed nineteen separate counts, reflecting the gravity of the allegations against him. This tumultuous period in Pound's life not only sparked widespread debate about his political views and mental state but also had a profound impact on his legacy as a poet and writer. Despite the controversy surrounding his actions, this event remains pivotal in understanding Pound's complex personality and his profound impact on 20th-century poetry.

Get your printable Ezra Pound worksheet here:

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Books about Ezra Pound: 

Ezra Pound and Music: The Complete Criticism by Ezra Pound

Ezra Pound: the image and the real by Herbert Schneidau

Ezra Pound: The Solitary Volcano by John Tytell

Parents and caregivers, be sure the books you read to your child or children are age-appropriate and child-friendly. 

We have reached number twenty in the famous poets. I hope you enjoyed learning about these twenty poets. You can get yourself a printable certificate of completion here:

 

“A great age of literature is perhaps always a great age of translations.”—Ezra Pound. Pound's translations, a significant part of his literary work, have greatly influenced the literary world, making him a key figure in the history of literature.

The Famous Poets Workbook is available for purchase on the Amazon platform. For more information about the product, please click on the book to access additional details.