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The Poetry of E.A. Robinson (Modern Library)

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Edwin Arlington Robinson wrote many of the most memorable and heartbreaking poems of the twentieth century, including such masterpieces as "Richard Cory," "Miniver Cheevy," "Reuben Bright," "Ben Jonson Entertains a Man From Stratford," and "Mr. Flood's Party." A master of the Petrarchan sonnet as well as many other metrical and rhymed forms, Robinson had an ear like no other (note the initials of his name), and possessed a unique insight into the sadness and nobility of his fellow human beings. Other poets may instruct and delight us; Robinson also frequently moves us to tears. Robert Mezey, the editor of this volume, has writtten a superb introductory essay, providing the reader with essential and fascinating details about Robinson's life that enhance one's understanding of the poems while setting Robinson's career and remarkable achievement squarely in the context of his times. More importantly, Mezey has expertly chosen the very best of Robinson's poetry for this volume, and he rounds out the selection with excerpts from Robinson's own letters and other writers' critical appraisals of Robinson's work. Included here is a rather wily introduction to Robinson's KING JASPER by Robert Frost, who owed a great debt in his own poetry to Robinson's richly nuanced plain style. Mezey's handsome and wonderfully edited volume is the best introduction available to the work of one of America's greatest and most neglected poets. END

Robinson's poetry has not yet been embalmed by the Library of America, Robert Mezey laments in his excellent introduction, but this small volume preserves the best work of one of our best, if not always fully appreciated, writers. Robinson's poems are generally short, dark, elegantly crafted gems that frequently present the emotion of a dramatic situation without explaining the situation itself: The House on the Hill, Eros Turannos. He has also written a few mid-length narratives (Isaac and Archibald, Aunt Imogen) in a supple blank verse that foreshadows and equals the best of Frost. Along with the poems and introduction, Mezey offers first-rate notes and reprints an essay by Frost about Robinson that deserves the attention of any serious reader of poetry, with its well-argued distinction between grief (Robinson's proper subject) and grievances (the subject of propaganda).

Robinson's poetry is remarkably deceptive. for example, "Richard Cory" displays his unconventional nature with a sudden twist that appears out of nowhere. Don't let Robinson's obscurity deter you from purchasing this book; some of the best poets are not main-stream. Case in point: Walt Whitman is known throughout the universe, yet his poetry never struck a chord with me. Robinson, meanwhile, does exactly the opposite. his elegant style, mastery of the sonnet, and emotional messages are excellent. Poetry is an excellent expression of the soul, and noboby understands this better than E.A.

President Theodore Roosevelt brought many national treasures to light. His campaign to preserve the country's natural landmarks is well known. Our debt to Roosevelt is even greater still. If not for the president's interest, Edwin Arlington Robinson would likely have languished in obscurity.

This volume of poetry shows Robinson to be one of America's greatest poets. Robinson is unbelievably talented. He ranks amount the greatest sonneteers the country has ever seen. His longer poems, like "Isaac and Archibald," are stunning.

Visceral emotion and intellectual innovation collide and transform the words of Robinson's poetry into something greater than the sum of its parts. This is great stuff. This is what poetry should be.

I recommend it highly.

Though ironic in nature, the poem of "Richard Cory," has an unbelievable message. Themes of "the grass is always greener," royalty, and class, appear in the poem, though they can easily be overlooked. The poem has allusions to royalty, which suggests that others view him in a special light, he is a magnificent individual. Perhaps we all know such a Richard Cory, the man who lives down the street, the man who everyone wants to be, the supposed Gatsby. E. A. Robinson is clearly depicting a charicature of a man who appeals to us all, by making us aware of what it is we do not have. The tragic ending of the poem, symbolizes the devastating reality of life. It is a cruel and endless cycle, that we can not yet escape from. The poem also proves that money, even today, can not buy you happiness, or love, or true friendship. The poem also alludes to the fact that each man can lead a life of quiet desperation. An inventor of sorts, E A Robinson can also be noted to have coined the phrase "he put a bullet through his head." This line has forever since been used to describe the tragic, and untimely deaths of such promising modern figures. The contrast between Richard's outward appearance (his name being an allusion to many a royal member) and his inner anxiety build up to the travesty of the last line. It is sheer brilliance. "Mr. Floods Party," another one of his works, captures the essence of early prohibition years. Mr. Flood, once a respected and revered man, goes up to the hilltop to drink alone. This poem is ironic, because he is alone at his own party. The climbing to the hill is a symbol of his journey toward dispair and eventually death. His first name is Eben, and the word Eb means to go from the better to a worse state. The allusion to a harvest moon which usually happens in autumn symbolizing the end of life is another clue to Mr. Flood's death. The line "the bird is on the wing" shows how the bird represents the passing of time as Mr. Flood reflects on his life behind him. His jug, an important factor in the poem, is full of life, and Mr. Flood is drinking it. He sits alone and is confident about the ending of growth . This is a truely remarkable poem. So, I highly recommend you buy this book. It is some of the best poetry you will ever read, and a favorite of former president Roosevelt. Enjoy a diferent poem each night, it acts as a proverb for your soul. Drs. Carey and Hall of the Hudson Literary League of Women and Literature

Upon reading Robinson's poem Mr. Flood's Party, we found yet another pathetic character relying on unconventional mechanisims to ease the pain. Like Richard Corey, Mr. Eben Flood is hollow inside, an outsider to the world around him. In Robinson's poem, we find him atop a hill while drowning himself in the mixtures of alcohol. There's a sense of dark humor in Eben saying, "Drink to the bird." "He raised up to the light the jug that he had gone so far to fill," This displays the mere fact that the man is in solitude and desperately trying to humor himself in order to fill the void within his existance. We feel that this poem is well written because of the use of dialogue to heighten the interest. The symbolism of opening and shutting doors parallels with the life of Eben Flood and the friends and opportunities he has lost along the way. The techniques of the inconsistant rhyme scheme that Robinson uses craft the demeanor of a drunk.

Robinson's disturbing works are best exemplified in his poem "Richard Cory". Richard Cory, in Robinson's own wods, "was a gentleman from sole to crown/Clean favored, and imperially slim". He represents the perfect gentleman of the era. All of those who knew of him admired and wanted to emulate him, "So on we worked, and waited for the light". They were willing to work for the material possessions which Cory had acheived. However, Robinson ends his work with a grim, chilling turn of events. "And Richard Cory, one calm summer night/Went home and put a bullet through his head". This unexpected conclusion reflects all of Robinson's work in that it is stunningly original, and was ahead of its time. His work seems to foreshadow many of today's publications, in that they reach for a similar effect of shock or surprise (evident in many books and movies). Robinson deviated from the norm, and doing so created an entirely new theme in American literature.

I have not read the complete collection of E.A. Robinson's poetry, but I have however read his poem "Richard Cory." This was an extremely well written poem. Robinson masterfully uses meter and tempo to create the perfect feeling in the reader of this poem. If the rest of Robinson's poems are anything like this masterpiece, I highly recommend this wonderful collection.

It seems to be a perfect world. Yet as Robinson's poem "Richard Cory" shows, even the best off fight their own internal demons. Cory appeared to have it all: "And he was rich-- yes, richer than a king--/And admirably schooled in every grace." Too often in today's society are people judged on where they went to school, how much money they have, what kind of car they drive, and other such superficial values. Problems are often overlooked. This poem should shock you, but in today's desensitized society, it may not. You'll have to see for yourself.

In many ways, Eben Flood of "Mr. Flood's Party" is representative of Robinson. Plagued by drinking himself, Robinson's two brothers died at an early age due to consumption. This could also be considered an overlooked internal demon. Like Richard Cory, Mr. Flood lost everything.

It is typical of Robinson to write in a New England setting. In "New England," he openly opposes critics of traditional New England litigations. This is interesting, considering that he is a direct descendent of Anne Bradstreet, New England's first colonial poet.

Edwin Arlington Robinson has become the writer who holds up the shocking mirror to humanity which displays a reality of every day life. His writing will appear to direct the reader in one direction, yet completely throw them for a loop. In his poem , "Richard Cory", he portrays a man who has aquired everything in life. He is rich, good looking, and a gentleman. However, in the end, Cory is unhappy with himself, and takes his life. Robinson was modeling common psychology, however he did this in 1860. He realized the flaw in people which they may view life for the common goal of success, yet they may be discontent inside. In another poem, "The House On The Hill", he explores the feelings of lonliness. He helps show the want and inner needs of the human mind. E.A. Robinson is a poet worth reading for the average intellectual. If one reads this book with an open mind, they will clearly be satisfied.