Most Influential Poets of All Time: T.S. Eliot

T.S. Eliot was revolutionary in the world of poetry during the 20th century. He started the Modernist movement with his work, the ‘Four Quartets’.

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t.s. Eliot poetry

T.S. Eliot, born Thomas Stearns Eliot, was an American poet, essayist, publisher, playwright, literary critic, and editor. He is considered to be one of the 20th century’s most influential poets. What makes this poet particularly important to literary history is that he was the leader of the Modernist poetry movement.

He lead the Modernist movements in works such as Four Quartets which was published in 1922. He exercised a strong influence on Anglo-American culture from the 1920s until late in the century. He experimented with diction, style, and versification.

The publication of Four Quartets led to his recognition as the greatest English poet. In 1948 he was awarded both the Order of the Merit and the Nobel Prize for Literature.

You cannot face it steadily, but this thing is sure, that time is no healer. The patient is no longer here.

The Four Quartets

What we call the beginning is often the end and to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.

The Four Quartets
T.S. Eliot poetry
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At the still point, there the dance is.

The Four Quartets

In my beginning is my end

The Four Quartets

T.S. Eliot broke orthodoxy and created new ones in their stead. He was revolutionary during his time, and he was a dedicated and creative soul that he had to pursue four careers at once: an editor, dramatist, literary critic, and philosophical poet.

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