Ezra Pound
Ezra Pound 
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| Born | 30 october 1885 |
| Birthplace | Hailey, Idaho Territory, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Poet, critic, editor |
| Known for | Leading figure of Modernist poetry |
| Website | https://en.wikipedia.org |
Ezra Pound (30 October 1885 – 1 November 1972) was an American poet, critic, and editor, considered one of the most influential figures of 20th-century modernist literature. His work and ideas shaped the direction of poetry, with his advocacy for imagism and vorticism leaving a lasting impact on writers and critics. Pound’s career was marked by both immense literary achievement and controversy over his political views.
Early life
Ezra Pound was born in Hailey, Idaho Territory, and grew up in Pennsylvania. He studied literature and languages at the University of Pennsylvania and Hamilton College. His early passion for languages, culture, and classical works shaped his approach to poetry, which combined innovation with respect for tradition.
Career
Pound moved to Europe in 1908, living in London, Paris, and later Italy. He became a central figure in the modernist movement, supporting writers such as T. S. Eliot, James Joyce, and H. D. He was instrumental in the publication of The Waste Land and contributed to the rise of imagism, which emphasized clarity, precision, and economy of language.
Ezra Pound wife
Ezra Pound’s wife was Dorothy Shakespear, an artist and writer, whom he married in 1914. Dorothy was closely connected to the literary circles of London and Paris, and her marriage to Pound brought together creative minds of the early modernist era. Despite Pound’s complicated personal life and long-term relationship with Olga Rudge, Dorothy remained his legal spouse and stood by him during his later years, including his confinement in St. Elizabeths Hospital.
Ezra Pound in a Station
One of Pound’s most famous works is his imagist poem titled In a Station of the Metro. First published in 1913, it captures the fleeting beauty of human faces in a Paris subway with striking brevity and visual imagery. This poem is considered a defining moment in the imagist movement, reflecting Pound’s call for "direct treatment of the thing" in poetry.
Ezra Pound in a Station of the Metro
The complete poem, In a Station of the Metro, is just two lines long but has had an enduring influence on modernist poetry. Its ability to condense meaning into a brief yet vivid image has made it one of the most analyzed and celebrated poems of the 20th century. Pound’s precision and artistry in this piece demonstrate his belief that poetry should capture an "instantaneous revelation."
Ezra Pound poems
Ezra Pound’s poems span a wide range of themes, from imagist lyrics to the vast, ambitious sequence The Cantos. His early works, such as Personae and Hugh Selwyn Mauberley, show his evolving style and experimentation. Later, The Cantos became his life’s work, reflecting his interest in history, economics, politics, and culture. Pound’s poems remain central to studies of modernism for their innovation, linguistic richness, and daring use of imagery.
Later years and legacy
Pound’s later life was marked by controversy due to his support for fascist Italy during World War II, which led to his arrest and confinement. Despite this, his literary contributions remain immense. He influenced generations of poets and continues to be studied for his role in shaping modern poetry. Today, Pound is recognized as one of the central figures of the modernist movement, balancing genius with complexity and controversy.