For the Union Dead | Narrative Voice

The narrative voice of Robert Lowell's poems, especially those after Life Studies, is the voice of conscience and consciousness, shame and trauma. The painful currents of the poet's personal life operate in tandem with the violent currents of his country's engagements in war. Lowell's confessional poetry represents a measurable distance from that of his earliest teachers and mentors. For the New Critics of his past, this choice was treason. Indeed, Lowell had to work against the principles of revered mentors and lifelong friends to find his voice.

Robert Lowell defied the foundations of the prevailing definitions of lyric poetry. His list of publications and prizes demonstrates just how well this haunted, deeply talented, and stubbornly individualistic poet managed to fulfill his talent.