"The Function of the Poet, and Other Essays" by James Russell Lowell is a selection of writings that observe the purpose of poets and their creations, dating to the 1800s. The collection looks carefully at what poetry does for our culture and how it has transformed through the years. The book praises older, well-known poets and examines the modern writings that were being produced in Lowell's lifetime. The initial essay starts a thoughtful study of what a poet does, describing the poet as someone who can "see" the truth and then "make" it known. It shows that poets have two jobs: to entertain and to teach. Historically, they mixed deep, spiritual ideas with everyday stories. Lowell seems to think poets should not only make beautiful things but also show and improve what it means to be human, suggesting that they can refresh and save the spirit of the people around them.
The Function of the Poet, and Other Essays
By James Russell Lowell
Explore the inspiring world where insightful creators both envision the unseen and craft it into stories that elevate humanity.
Summary
About the AuthorJames Russell Lowell was an American Romantic poet, critic, editor, and diplomat. He is associated with the fireside poets, a group of New England writers who were among the first American poets that rivaled the popularity of British poets. These writers usually used conventional forms and meters in their poetry, making them suitable for families entertaining at their fireside.
James Russell Lowell was an American Romantic poet, critic, editor, and diplomat. He is associated with the fireside poets, a group of New England writers who were among the first American poets that rivaled the popularity of British poets. These writers usually used conventional forms and meters in their poetry, making them suitable for families entertaining at their fireside.
More Like This
Explore books similar to the one you're viewing
Poetry
By Arthur Quiller-Couch
The Poet's Poet : essays on the character and mission of the poet as interpreted in English verse of the last one hundred and fifty years
By Elizabeth Atkins
Poems of James Russell Lowell With biographical sketch by Nathan Haskell Dole
By James Russell Lowell
Essays — Second Series
By Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Complete Poetical Works of James Russell Lowell
By James Russell Lowell
Lectures on English poets
By James Russell Lowell
More by This Author
Discover other books written by the same author
Heartsease and Rue
By James Russell Lowell
The Cathedral
By James Russell Lowell
Abraham Lincoln
By James Russell Lowell
A Fable for Critics
By James Russell Lowell
The old English dramatists
By James Russell Lowell
The Vision of Sir Launfal And Other Poems by James Russell Lowell; Edited with an Introduction and Notes by Julian W. Abernethy, Ph.D.
By James Russell Lowell