Robert Frost
1874 - 1963
Born in San Francisco, California, USA
Robert Lee Frost was an American poet. His work was initially published in England before it was published in the United States. Known for his realistic depictions of rural life and his command of American colloquial speech, Frost frequently wrote about settings from rural life in New England in the early 20th century, using them to examine complex social and philosophical themes. Frost was honored frequently during his lifetime and is the only poet to receive four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry. He became one of America's rare "public literary figures, almost an artistic institution." He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1960 for his poetic works. On July 22, 1961, Frost was named poet laureate of Vermont.
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”
Timeline
Born in San Francisco, California
Moved to Lawrence, Massachusetts after father's death
Graduated from Lawrence High School
Married Elinor White
Attended Harvard University (did not graduate)
Moved to a farm in Derry, New Hampshire
Moved to England with his family
Published first poetry collection "A Boy's Will"
Returned to the United States
Published "The Road Not Taken" in Mountain Interval
Won first Pulitzer Prize for "New Hampshire"
Published "A Witness Tree"
Recited "The Gift Outright" at President Kennedy's inauguration
Died in Boston, Massachusetts
Notable Quote
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost
Influences
- William Shakespeare
- William Wordsworth
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Henry David Thoreau
Achievements
- Four-time Pulitzer Prize winner (1924, 1931, 1937, 1943)
- Congressional Gold Medal (1960)
- Poet Laureate of Vermont (1961)
- Performed at President John F. Kennedy's inauguration (1961)