Ezra Pound

Ezra Pound

Ezra Weston Loomis Pound (October 30, 1885 – November 1, 1972) was an American poet and critic, a major figure in the early modernist movement. He is known for his role in developing Imagism, a movement in early 20th-century Anglo-American poetry that favored precision of imagery and clear, sharp language. Pound's contributions to poetry began with his development of Imagism, which, in reaction to the Victorian and Georgian poetry, advocated for a return to classical values of directness, economy, and musical rhythm.

Early Life

Pound was born in Hailey, Idaho, and grew up in a suburb of Philadelphia. He attended the University of Pennsylvania and later transferred to Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. His early education and exposure to various cultures and languages significantly influenced his later work.

Career

Pound moved to London in 1908, where he became a central figure in the literary avant-garde. He was instrumental in the careers of several major modernist writers, including T.S. Eliot, James Joyce, and Robert Frost. His editorial work on Eliot's "The Waste Land" is particularly notable.

In 1924, Pound moved to Italy, where he became involved in fascist politics and expressed support for Benito Mussolini. During World War II, he made controversial radio broadcasts criticizing the United States and supporting the Axis powers. After the war, he was arrested by American forces and charged with treason. He was declared unfit to stand trial and was committed to St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C., where he remained for over a decade.

Major Works

Pound's most famous work is The Cantos, a long, incomplete poem he worked on for most of his life. The poem is a complex, sometimes obscure, work that incorporates a wide range of historical and literary references. Other significant works include Hugh Selwyn Mauberley and Homage to Sextus Propertius.

Later Life and Death

After his release from St. Elizabeths in 1958, Pound returned to Italy, where he lived until his death in 1972. His later years were marked by a withdrawal from public life and a decline in his mental health.

Legacy

Pound's influence on modern poetry is profound. His advocacy for Imagism and his editorial work helped shape the course of 20th-century literature. Despite the controversy surrounding his political views, his contributions to poetry and literary criticism remain significant.

See Also

• Imagism
• Modernist poetry
• T.S. Eliot
• James Joyce
• Fascism