John Crowe Ransom: Poet, Critic, and Educator
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John Crowe Ransom was a pivotal figure in American literary criticism and Modernist poetry. As the founder of New Criticism, he advocated for close textual analysis, focusing on the text itself. His work with the Fugitives group and his poetry, including 'Chills and Fever' and 'Two Gentlemen in Bonds,' contributed to the advancement of Modernist literature. Ransom's influence is also notable in the Southern Agrarian movement and through his mentorship at Kenyon College.
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John Crowe Ransom: Pioneer of New Criticism
John Crowe Ransom, a seminal figure in American literary criticism, is best known for founding the New Criticism movement. Born on April 30, 1888, in Pulaski, Tennessee, Ransom's academic journey led him to study at Vanderbilt University and later as a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford. His academic focus on philosophy and the classics informed his critical perspective. After serving as an artillery officer in World War I, he returned to Vanderbilt to teach English, where he would make significant contributions to literary theory and poetry.The Fugitives: A Catalyst for Modernist Poetry
Ransom was a central member of the Fugitives, a collective of poets and scholars from the Southern United States who met in the early 1920s to discuss and critique each other's work. The group, which included prominent writers such as Donald Davidson, Allen Tate, and Robert Penn Warren, sought to advance Modernist poetry in America. Under Ransom's guidance, they launched "The Fugitive" (1922-1925), a magazine that became a vital outlet for Modernist literary expression and thought.Ransom's Poetic Works and Agrarian Ideals
As a poet, John Crowe Ransom achieved recognition with his collections "Chills and Fever" (1924) and "Two Gentlemen in Bonds" (1927), which dealt with themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the natural world. His poignant poems, such as "Bells for John Whiteside’s Daughter" and "Dead Boy," are noted for their contemplation of life and death. In the 1930s, Ransom also emerged as a leading figure in the Southern Agrarian movement, advocating for a return to agrarian values and practices as a response to the industrialization of the American South.The Rise of New Criticism in Literary Analysis
Ransom's most significant contribution to literary criticism was the formulation of New Criticism, which he introduced in his seminal essay "Criticism, Inc." (1937) and further expounded in "The New Criticism" (1941). This approach advocated for a close, analytical reading of texts, focusing on the work itself rather than the author's intentions or the social and historical context. New Criticism became the predominant method of literary analysis in American academia during the mid-20th century, profoundly influencing literary scholarship and education.Ransom's Educational Legacy and Honors
John Crowe Ransom's impact extended into the realm of education through his tenure at Kenyon College, where he founded the influential literary magazine "The Kenyon Review." His mentorship shaped the careers of many students who would go on to become notable literary figures, including future United States Poets Laureates. Ransom's contributions to poetry and criticism were recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Bollingen Prize for Poetry in 1951 and the National Book Award for "Selected Poems" in 1964.The Enduring Influence of John Crowe Ransom
John Crowe Ransom passed away on July 3, 1974, but his influence endures in the field of literary studies. His obituary in The New York Times underscored his stature as a leading Southern literary figure and the progenitor of New Criticism. Today, Ransom's advocacy for meticulous textual analysis remains a cornerstone of literary education, ensuring that his contributions to the study and appreciation of literature continue to resonate with scholars, critics, and students alike.
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Early Life and Education
Birth and Childhood
John Crowe Ransom was born on April 30, 1888, in Pulaski, Tennessee
Academic Journey
Vanderbilt University
Ransom studied at Vanderbilt University, where he developed a focus on philosophy and the classics
University of Oxford
As a Rhodes Scholar, Ransom continued his studies at the University of Oxford
Military Service
Ransom served as an artillery officer in World War I before returning to academia
Contributions to Literature
The Fugitives
Ransom was a central member of the Fugitives, a group of Southern writers who sought to advance Modernist poetry in America
Poetry
Chills and Fever" and "Two Gentlemen in Bonds
Ransom's collections of poetry explored themes of mortality, time, and nature
Notable Poems
Ransom's poems, such as "Bells for John Whiteside's Daughter" and "Dead Boy," are known for their contemplation of life and death
Southern Agrarian Movement
Ransom advocated for a return to agrarian values and practices in response to the industrialization of the American South
New Criticism
Formulation of New Criticism
Ransom introduced New Criticism in his essay "Criticism, Inc." and further developed it in "The New Criticism."
Key Principles
Close Reading
New Criticism emphasized a close, analytical reading of texts rather than considering the author's intentions or historical context
Influence on Literary Scholarship
New Criticism became the dominant method of literary analysis in American academia during the mid-20th century
Impact on Education
Kenyon College
Ransom founded the influential literary magazine "The Kenyon Review" and mentored many students who went on to become notable literary figures
Awards and Recognition
Ransom's contributions to poetry and criticism were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Bollingen Prize for Poetry and the National Book Award
Enduring Influence
Ransom's advocacy for meticulous textual analysis remains a cornerstone of literary education, ensuring his impact continues to resonate with scholars, critics, and students
John Crowe Ransom: Poet, Critic, and Educator
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Birthplace and date of John Crowe Ransom
Born in Pulaski, Tennessee on April 30, 1888.
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John Crowe Ransom's academic background
Studied at Vanderbilt University and as a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, focusing on philosophy and classics.
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John Crowe Ransom's career post-WWI
Served as an artillery officer in WWI, then taught English at Vanderbilt, contributing to literary theory and poetry.
