Cecil Day-Lewis Quotes

Poet
Ireland
1904 - 1972

Cecil Day-Lewis was a renowned English poet, novelist, and literary critic. He was born in 1904 in Ireland and later moved to England where he attended Oxford University. Day-Lewis was a member of the literary group known as the “Oxford Wits” and was heavily influenced by the works of W.B. Yeats and T.S. Eliot.Day-Lewis is best known for his poetry, which often explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition. He published over 20 collections of poetry, including “A Time to Dance” and “The Whispering Roots.” He also wrote several novels, including “The Otterbury Incident” and “The Buried Day.”In addition to his own writing, Day-Lewis was a respected literary critic and served as the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1968 until his death in 1972. He was also a member of the prestigious literary group, the Royal Society of Literature.Day-Lewis’ writing style was characterized by its lyrical and evocative language, and he was praised for his ability to capture the essence of the human experience. His works continue to be celebrated and studied by readers and scholars alike, cementing his place as one of the most influential poets of the 20th century.Read Less

4 Best Cecil Day-Lewis Quotes

We do not write in order to be understood; we write in order to understand. Feraz Zeid, December 25, 2023, Cecil Day-Lewis, Self-worth, Writing, 0

- Cecil Day-Lewis

Poet

· Ireland

Selfhood begins with a walking away, And love is proved in letting go. Feraz Zeid, December 25, 2023, Cecil Day-Lewis, Letting go, Love, Walking Away, 0

- Cecil Day-Lewis

Poet

· Ireland

A poet is not a public figure. A poet should be read and not seen. Feraz Zeid, December 25, 2023, Cecil Day-Lewis, Figures, Poet, 0

- Cecil Day-Lewis

Poet

· Ireland

Figures
Poet

There’s a kind of release And a kind of torment in every goodbye for every man. Feraz Zeid, December 25, 2023, Cecil Day-Lewis, Farewell, Goodbye, 0

- Cecil Day-Lewis

Poet

· Ireland

Cecil Day-Lewis Career Highlights

Day-Lewis attended the University of Oxford, where he studied classics and became interested in poetry. He published his first collection of poems, “Beechen Vigil,” in 1925, which received critical acclaim.
In 1928, he published his second collection, “The Magnetic Mountain,” which established him as a prominent figure in the literary world.
Day-Lewis worked as a teacher and lecturer at various universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and the University of London. He also served as the editor of the Oxford Book of Modern Verse.
In 1935, he published his first detective novel, “A Question of Proof,” under the pseudonym Nicholas Blake. He went on to write over 20 crime novels, which were well-received by readers and critics alike.
Day-Lewis was appointed as the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom in 1968, a position he held until his death in 1972. He was the first person of Irish descent to hold this prestigious title.
He was also a member of the Order of Merit, an exclusive honor bestowed by the British monarch for exceptional achievements in the arts, sciences, and other fields.

Key Contributions by Cecil Day-Lewis

Day-Lewis was a prolific writer who published over 50 books, including poetry collections, novels, and critical works. His writing style was characterized by its clarity, elegance, and emotional depth.
He was a leading figure in the group of poets known as the “Oxford Wits,” which included W.H. Auden, Stephen Spender, and Louis MacNeice. They were known for their modernist approach to poetry and their rejection of traditional forms.
Day-Lewis was also a prominent literary critic, and his essays and reviews were highly regarded for their insightful analysis and eloquent writing.
As Poet Laureate, he wrote several poems for important national events, including the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill.
Day-Lewis was a champion of social justice and used his writing to address issues of class, race, and politics. He was a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain and wrote several poems and essays on socialist themes.

What Sets Cecil Day-Lewis Apart

Day-Lewis was a versatile writer who excelled in various genres, including poetry, fiction, and criticism. His ability to write in different styles and forms set him apart from his contemporaries.
He was deeply influenced by his Irish heritage and often incorporated Irish mythology and folklore into his writing. This gave his work a unique and distinct voice.
Day-Lewis was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his dedication to his craft. He would often spend months perfecting a single poem, and his writing was praised for its precision and clarity.
He was also a skilled translator and translated works from Latin, Greek, and French into English. His translations were highly regarded for their accuracy and poetic sensibility.

Takeaways

Cecil Day-Lewis was a highly influential figure in the literary world, known for his exceptional writing and critical insights.
His career highlights include his appointment as Poet Laureate, his contributions to the Oxford Book of Modern Verse, and his extensive body of work.
Day-Lewis’ writing style, versatility, and attention to detail set him apart from his contemporaries and continue to inspire writers today.
He was a champion of social justice and used his writing to address important issues, making him a significant figure not just in literature but also in politics and society.

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