The Life and Work of Richard Wilbur: a Great American Poet

This Thesis report covers Richards life, literary period and an interpretation of his works.

Richard Wilbur:

A Great American Poet

Richard Wilbur used rhyme, rhythm, and vivid description to implant a

colorful, clear, and almost interactive images. He is a post-modern writer who

had a direct, formal and yet light-hearted and playful writing style.

Richard Wilbur was born in New York, New York on March 1, 1921. As he

grew he attended many colleges and universities the first being Amherst where

he graduated with a B.A. and was the college newspaper editor. After leaving

Amherst he enlisted in the Army where he was in training to be an Army

cryptographer until demoted to a front-line infantry position. During his time in

the Army Richard saw action in Italy ,France, and Germany; he also filled he

position of Army cryptographer when the one in his unit was killed (University

Press of Florida, 1996).

Richard & Friend

the gang + Richard Dawkins

English: American educator Wilbur S. Jackman

When demobilized he went back to school, in 1947 where he received his

M.A. from Harvard University, the same year his first book, The Beautiful

Changes, was published. At that time Wilbur became a member of the Harvard

Fellows and taught there until he moved to Wellesley in 1954. From Wellesley

he then went on to Wesleyan University. He was a contributory factor to the

founding of the Wesleyan University Press Poetry Series, which featured such

poets as Robert Bly, James Wright, Louis Simpson, and Barbara Howes. After

leaving Wesleyan he went to Smith College as a writer-in-residence(University

Press of Florida, 1996). He stopped teaching and while still writing original

pieces Richard Wilbur began translation in 1955. He translated works from poets

like Moliere, Racine, and Leonard Bernstien; from French, Spanish, and Russian

into English. In order to be called a great American poet one would have...