Robert Frost: Iconic American Poet

Robert Frost is probably one of the most well-known and beloved American poets of modern times and maybe of all time. Let's take a look at his life, his development as a poet, his works, and how his legacy lives on today.

Even those who have no particular interest in poetry may be familiar with lines and images popularized by Frost. "Good Fences make Good Neighbors." "The Road Not Taken." "I Have Promises to Keep and Miles to Go Before I Sleep." "Some Say the World Will End by Fire, Some by Ice." Most people can at least identify Robert Frost as a poet. How many poets writing today do you think the average American can name?

Frost lived from 1874 to 1963, and is most closely associated with New England. His life and journey as a poet took him to other parts of the country and the world. He was out of step with some of the trends in poetry of his time and first came to fame in England.

Much honored in his lifetime, he received four Pulitzer Prizes in poetry, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, and was named the Poet Laureate of Vermont. Frost was nominated for the Nobel Prize 31 times but never won. He is also well-known for reading a poem at John F. Kennedy's inauguration.

Why was it such a struggle for Frost to gain attention in the United States? He was 41 before his first book of poetry was published in the US. How did someone born in San Francisco come to be so closely associated with New England? What was his reception with critics and poets of his time? What is his legacy and how is he regarded today? How did his personal life influence his work?

Bill McKenny, a frequent Lifelong Learning presenter and retired English teacher, will help us look at these and other questions as we explore this popular poet.