Edwin Arlington Robinson

Edwin Arlington Robinson (1869-1935) was an influential American poet renowned for his contemplative and somber verse that often explored the complexities of human existence and individual struggles. Born in Head Tide, Maine, and raised in Gardiner, Robinson was the third son in a family that faced considerable financial difficulties, experiences that deeply influenced his literary themes.

Robinson attended Harvard University from 1891 to 1893 but left without earning a degree due to financial constraints. He returned to his hometown, which he later fictionalized as "Tilbury Town" in many of his poems. His early works, including the self-published "The Torrent and the Night Before" (1896) and "The Children of the Night" (1897), gained modest recognition.

His fortunes changed significantly with the support of President Theodore Roosevelt, who admired Robinson's work and secured him a job at the New York Customs House. This stability allowed Robinson to focus on his poetry, leading to critical acclaim with collections such as "The Man Against the Sky" (1916). Known for his tightly structured verse and use of traditional forms, Robinson received three Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry: for "Collected Poems" (1922), "The Man Who Died Twice" (1925), and "Tristram" (1928). Despite his often bleak depictions of life, Robinson's work remains a testament to his deep empathy and insight into the human condition.