Life and achievements
Early life
Robert Lee Frost was born in San Francisco, California, on March 26, 1874, to William Prescott Frost Jr. and Isabelle Moodie. His father was a journalist who wanted to build a career in California but died of tuberculosis in 1885; this led Isabelle to move her two children, Robert and Jeanie, to Lawrence, Massachusetts. The two boys were taken in by their paternal grandparents. Frost went to Lawrence High School and was a bright student; he also met his future wife, Elinor White. The valedictorian of their class, and they became friends for life after that.
Frost went to Dartmouth College but dropped out after a semester or two after high school. He taught and even worked in a factory, but his passion was poetry. His first professional poem, "My Butterfly: The poem "An Elegy," was published in 1894. Frost's first few years were characterized by poverty and grief; two of his six children died when they were still young. Nevertheless, he struggled and did not give up on his dream of becoming a writer.
Frost moved his family to England in 1912, when he was thirty-eight because he thought his works could quickly be published there. This proved a wise decision, as he soon rose to fame and released his first book, A Boy's Will, in 1913. His second book, North of Boston, was published in 1914 and brought him much recognition and made him a prominent writer.
Legacy
Robert Frost left behind a great legacy that is still felt today. He is acclaimed for his skill in handling conventional metrical forms and for introducing modern themes and spoken language. Frost's poetry presents themes that can be easily related to by any person and are depicted in the context of the New England countryside. His work is characterized by appreciating nature, people's feelings, and the real world.
Frost was awarded four Pulitzer Prizes for his works in American literature. However, his role did not end with being a poet; he was also a teacher and a guide to many young writers. Frost is a master of depicting the life of rural people and philosophical thoughts on existence, which is why his work is considered one of the most important in American literature.
Frost's contribution can be seen in the fact that he created poetry that is both simple and deep, which is widely appreciated. He made sure to use simple language and settings that people could easily relate to, which made them identify with his work. Frost's poetry is still read and analyzed for its craftsmanship, the depth of emotions, and its timelessness.
The image of the poet also defines Frost's influence as an embodiment of the American spirit. His readings and public performances, such as the recitation at the inauguration of President John F Kennedy, made him a cultural icon. Frost's biography and creativity are a vivid example of the human spirit's strength and resourcefulness, and his poetry continues to be a source of inspiration and contemplation for people worldwide.
Milestone moments
Aug 19, 1912
Moving to England
In August 1912, Robert Frost made the most critical decision of his life: to move with his family to England. He believed that British publishers would be more welcoming of his work than American publishers.
The Frost family moved to Beaconsfield, a small town in Buckinghamshire.
This re-location proved a turning point in Frost's career, as he gained recognition and fame soon after.
His first book of poetry, A Boy's Will, was published in 1913 and was well received by critics.
The following year, he published North of Boston, a collection of some of his most famous poems, such as "Mending Wall" and "The Death of the Hired Man."
These publications made Frost a prominent literary figure, and his works brought him the fame he deserved in the future.
Jul 19, 1915
Return to America
After gaining recognition in England, Robert Frost returned to America in July 1915. At this point, he had already released two books that were positively received by the public and was slowly being recognized as a significant poet.
The poet's return to the United States from England started a very productive work period.
He purchased a farm in Franconia, New Hampshire, which became his summer residence, where he drew most of his inspiration for his poetry.
He also started teaching and giving speeches, transmitting his experience and love for poetry to a new wave of poets.
This phase of his life was characterized by recognition and awards, and he received many of them.
His American collections, A Boy's Will and North of Boston brought him into the limelight, and he became one of the most famous poets in America.
Apr 19, 1924
First Pulitzer Prize
In April 1924, Robert Frost won his first Pulitzer Prize for his poetry collection, New Hampshire: A Poem with Notes and Grace Notes. This award is one of the most prestigious awards that Frost received in his career, as it acknowledged his excellent work in American literature.
The collection contained many of Frost's best works, such as "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," one of the poet's most famous poems.
This was the recognition Frost needed, and with this Pulitzer Prize, he became a famous poet of his generation.
It also paved the way for the following victories since Frost received three Pulitzer Awards in the subsequent years.
This award proved Frost's talent, ingenuity, and influence in the literary circle.
Jan 19, 1961
Recitation at JFK's Inauguration
Robert Frost recited a poem on January 20, 1961, during John F. Kennedy's inauguration as president of the United States of America.
This event was significant in the history of presidential inaugurations because a poet was invited to perform for the first time.
Frost prepared a poem for the occasion called "Dedication," but the sun came out, and he could not read it; instead, he recited the poem that Kennedy had asked for: "The Gift Outright."
This was especially evident when Frost attended the inauguration, thus contributing to the history of American culture and the role of poetry in it.
It also reinforced that Frost was an icon of the American people and an epitome of American literature.