Biography of T. S. Eliot:
T. S. Eliot (Thomas Stearns Eliot) (1888-1965): Modernist Poet, Playwright, and Critic
Early Life and Education:
T. S. Eliot was born on September 26, 1888, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. He later moved to England, where he studied at Harvard University, the Sorbonne in Paris, and Merton College, Oxford. After completing his education, he settled in England and became a British citizen in 1927.
Biography of T. S. Eliot |
Literary Career:
Eliot's literary career was marked by his association with the modernist movement in poetry. He gained significant recognition with his early poems, including "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" (1915) and "The Waste Land" (1922), which is considered one of the most important poems of the 20th century. "The Waste Land" reflects the disillusionment and despair of the post-World War I era.
Eliot continued to produce influential poetry collections such as "The Hollow Men" (1925) and "Ash Wednesday" (1930). He also wrote plays, including "Murder in the Cathedral" (1935) and "The Cocktail Party" (1949), both of which received critical acclaim.
T. S. Eliot's Editorial Work:
In addition to his creative writing, Eliot worked as an editor at Faber and Faber, a leading publishing house in London. His editorial skills contributed to the success of several notable authors, and he played a key role in shaping the literary landscape of his time.
Conversion to Anglicanism:
Eliot underwent a religious conversion and became an Anglican in 1927. His faith significantly influenced his later works, leading to poems with more overt religious themes, such as "Four Quartets" (1943).
Later Years and Legacy of T. S. Eliot:
T. S. Eliot received numerous honors during his lifetime, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948. He continued to write and lecture until his death on January 4, 1965, in London, England.
Eliot's influence on modern poetry and literary criticism is immeasurable. His innovative use of language, complex themes, and deep exploration of the human condition have made his works enduring classics. Eliot's contributions to literature continue to be studied, celebrated, and revered by scholars, poets, and readers worldwide.