Facts about Henry David Thoreau

Learn some interesting facts about 

Henry David Thoreau. 

 

This week’s famous poet is Henry David Thoreau. Last week’s famous poet was Emily Bronte. 

Henry David Thoreau, a prominent figure in American literature, is celebrated for his insightful and thought-provoking poetry as well as his philosophical essays. His most renowned work, "Walden," reflects his deep appreciation for nature and self-reliance, serving as both an environmental manifesto and a personal narrative about his time spent in solitude by the shores of Walden Pond. Throughout his life, Thoreau produced over twenty volumes of poetry, essays, and other written works, which collectively showcase his unique perspective on society, nature, and individual purpose. 

Born on July 12, 1817, in the picturesque town of Concord, Massachusetts, Thoreau was the firstborn son of John Thoreau, a pencil maker, and Cynthia Dunbar. He grew up in a family that valued education and intellectual discourse, being the eldest of four siblings. This nurturing environment fostered his love for literature and exploration of philosophical ideas, which became central themes in his writings. Thoreau’s contributions to the transcendentalist movement, along with his advocacy for civil disobedience and environmental stewardship, have left an indelible mark on American thought and literary tradition.

Keep the Planet Clean

Did you know littering Is Bad for the Earth and our Environment?

How many times have you littered? Littering may seem like a small act at the time, but it has significant consequences that go far beyond the eyesore littering brings. From urban streets to clean natural habitats, litter substantially threatens our environment, wildlife, and health. Let’s explore why littering is a huge problem and why we should all focus on keeping our surroundings clean. Let's work together to make our world better for future generations. Put litter where it belongs, in trash bins or recycling bins.

Facts about Emily Bronte

Learn some interesting facts about 

Emily Brontë.  

 

This week’s famous poet is Emily Brontë. Last week’s famous poet was Ralph Waldo Emerson. 

Emily Brontë, an esteemed figure in the literary world, is best known for her profound contributions as a novelist and poet. She authored a singular masterpiece, the iconic novel *Wuthering Heights*, which has captivated readers with its intense emotional depth and complex characters since its publication in 1847. In addition to her novel, Brontë wrote a collection of poignant and evocative poems that reflect her inner thoughts and the tumultuous emotions of her life.

Born on July 30, 1818, in Thornton, Yorkshire, England, Emily was the daughter of Patrick Brontë, an Irish clergyman, and Maria Branwell, a local woman of strong character. She grew up in a literary family, sharing her childhood with five siblings: Charlotte, Anne, Branwell, and their surviving sisters, who profoundly influenced her life and work. The Brontë siblings often engaged in imaginative play, creating their own worlds and characters, which would later inform their writing.

Emily's life was marked by both hardships and joys, including the early loss of her mother and two of her siblings, which fostered a deep sense of isolation and introspection within her. This sense of melancholy and yearning is vividly evident in her writing. Despite her reclusive nature and the limited scope of her publications, Brontë's work explores themes of love, vengeance, and the struggle for identity. Her experiences and observations of the moors surrounding her home in Haworth had a profound influence on the atmospheric landscapes and emotional undertones found in her literary creations. 

  

 

Here is a list of some poems by Emily Brontë: 

• Long neglect has worn away
• At Castle Wood
• Encouragement
• Hope
• Love and Friendship
• Spellbound
• The Prisoner
• Come Hither, Child
• Fall, Leaves, Fall
• No Coward Soul Is Mine

Parents and caretakers, please ensure that the poems are child-friendly before reading them to your child or children.

Facts about Ralph Waldo Emerson

Learn Interesting Facts about

Ralph Waldo Emerson.  

 

This week’s famous poet is Ralph Waldo Emerson. Last week’s famous poet was Lord Byron. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a celebrated poet and essayist renowned for his profound contributions to literature and philosophy. His body of work, characterized by a deep emotional resonance and insightful exploration of the human experience, reflects an unwavering passion for poetry and the written word. Emerson’s literary career was marked by his ability to blend personal introspection with broader philosophical themes, engaging readers in a way that few others could.

Born on May 25, 1803, in Boston, Massachusetts, Emerson was the son of William Emerson, a Unitarian minister, and Ruth Haskins Emerson. Growing up in a large family as one of eight siblings, he was deeply influenced by his upbringing in a household that valued education and intellectual discourse. This nurturing environment laid the groundwork for his future pursuits in writing and thought leadership, ultimately leading him to become one of the leading figures in the American Transcendentalist movement—a philosophical and literary movement that emphasized individual intuition and the inherent goodness of both people and nature.

 

Here is a list of some poems by Ralph Waldo Emerson: 

• A Good Book
• Conditions of Life
• Heart That Lovest All
• Wiser
• Friendship
• The Mountain and the Squirrel
• The Snow Storm
• The Rhodora
• Seek Not
• Life is Too Short
• Duty

Parents and caretakers, please ensure that the poems are child-friendly before reading them to your child or children.

Facts about Lord Byron

Learn Interesting Facts about

Lord Byron.  

 

This week’s famous poet is Lord Byron. Last week’s famous poet was Lewis Carroll. 

Lord Byron, widely regarded as one of the most influential poets of the Romantic era, crafted a remarkable body of work throughout his life. Born on January 22, 1788, in London, England, he was the son of John Byron, a noted captain in the British Army, and Catherine Gordon, a Scottish heiress. As an only child, he grew up in an environment shaped by the pressures of his aristocratic lineage and the complexities of family dynamics.

Byron's passion for poetry was matched by his deep affection for his pet dog, Boatswain, whose loyalty and companionship provided him solace and inspiration. Boatswain's untimely death deeply affected Byron, leading him to compose an elegy that highlighted their bond. This relationship with his dog reflected the emotional depth and sensibility present in many of Byron's works, making his poetry resonate with themes of love, loss, and longing.

Facts about Lewis Carroll

Learn Interesting Facts about

Lewis Carroll.  

 

This week’s famous poet is Lewis Carroll. Last week’s famous poet was Oscar Wilde. 

Lewis Carroll, a name synonymous with imagination and innovation, was a multifaceted individual known not only as a poetic genius but also as a prolific author and a skilled mathematician. Born Charles Lutwidge Dodgson on January 27, 1832, in the picturesque village of Daresbury, Cheshire, England, he was the eldest son in a large family, with ten siblings who played significant roles in his life. 

His early interest in writing and storytelling blossomed during his childhood, where he developed a penchant for creating enchanting tales and whimsical poetry. Carroll’s work is characterized by its rich imagery, clever wordplay, and a playful approach to logic and language, which has earned him a permanent place in the canon of children's literature. 

His most famous works, including "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass," showcase his exceptional ability to craft fantastical worlds and quirky characters that continue to capture the hearts and minds of readers across generations. Beyond his literary contributions, Carroll's background in mathematics and logic significantly influenced his writing style, resulting in a unique blend of fantasy and reason that has intrigued scholars and fans alike.

Carroll's legacy endures not only through his notable poems and narratives but also in the way they provoke thought and imagination, ensuring that his stories remain timeless and universally cherished. His distinctive blend of creativity and intellect marks him as a true luminary in the literary world.

Facts about Oscar Wilde

Learn Interesting Facts about

Oscar Wilde.  

 

This week’s famous poet is Oscar Wilde. Last week’s famous poet was E.E. Cummings. 

Oscar Wilde, a prolific and celebrated poet, is known for his remarkable literary contributions, having written over 50 poems during his lifetime. His artistic journey began in the vibrant city of Dublin, Ireland, where he was born on October 16, 1854, to Sir William Wilde, a prominent eye and ear surgeon, and Lady Jane Wilde, a talented writer and activist. Growing up in a household that valued education and creativity, Wilde's mother played a significant role in nurturing his love for literature and the arts, encouraging his early inclinations toward writing.

As the middle child in the Wilde family, Oscar had an older brother, Willie, and a younger sister, Isola. The dynamics of his family life, combined with his intellectual upbringing, significantly influenced his perspective and artistry. 

Wilde's works, characterized by their wit, eloquence, and exploration of complex themes, serve as a testament to his vibrant imagination and passionate engagement with the world around him. Throughout his career, he not only contributed to the world of poetry but also made significant marks in theater and prose, solidifying his legacy as one of literature's most intriguing figures.