In our modern world, there are countless mediums through which we can document our emotions regarding the human experience: photos on Instagram and shorts on YouTube, to name a few. But nothing quite reflects our highs and lows like the written word, particularly in the form of poetry.
For centuries, poets have shaped the way we view the world around us, exploring themes that transcend time. Think about it: Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” with its iconic “To be, or not to be” soliloquy, or T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land,” with its fragmented yet powerful depiction of a post-war world struggling to find meaning.
These poets, along with countless others, have not only defined their eras but also left a lasting impact on how we express and interpret emotions today. In this article, we celebrate some of history’s most notable poets, whose works continue to resonate with and inspire new generations.
William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
William Shakespeare’s works have moved audiences for generations, connecting with readers and audiences across the globe. While he coined the famous phrase “To be, or not to be” centuries ago, it still holds profound relevance today, as do numerous other phrases in his works, like “break the ice,” “heart of gold,” and “wild-goose chase.”
Over his lifetime, Shakespeare penned 154 sonnets and numerous iconic plays, such as “Romeo and Juliet,” “Macbeth,” and “Much Ado About Nothing.” These plays are not only reenacted in theatres worldwide but have also been adapted into films with similar plots. The animated Disney film “The Lion King,” for instance, draws inspiration from “Hamlet.” Another ’90s classic, “Ten Things I Hate About You,” is based on his play “The Taming of the Shrew.”
Whether you’re reading a sonnet or a full-length play, Shakespeare’s themes are as timeless as they are universal. He did what many writers cannot: depict the complexities of human emotion, from the beauty of love to the depths of jealousy. His masterful manipulation of the English language and his knack for weaving intricate—and jaw-dropping—plots explain why his works have endured for centuries and remain central to educational curriculums today.
Edgar Allen Poe (1809-1849)
The Master of the Macabre, American poet Edgar Allan Poe is known for his uncanny ability to dig six feet deep into dark, gothic themes. Poems like “The Raven” were revolutionary in the 1800s, as Poe explored the human psyche and the darker side of existence.
The poem follows a man who is mourning the death of his beloved, Lenore. It expertly descends into the narrator’s spiral of madness, which is symbolized by a raven that repeatedly speaks the word “nevermore.” His use of symbolism, repetition, imagery, and melancholic rhythm throughout the poem are wonderful examples of literary devices that convey the narrator’s descent into despair.
His other works, both poetry and short stories, focused heavily on horror, mystery, and the “detective story,” paving the way for other famed writers like H.P. Lovecraft and Arthur Conan Doyle. Through his exploration of the dark side of the human mind, he helped create the genres of psychological horror and detective fiction, shaping the future of suspenseful literature.
Sylvia Plath (1932-1963)
Best known for her confessional style of poetry, Sylvia Plath explored themes of mental illness, death, and the female experience. Her work was especially groundbreaking during a time when mental health issues were rarely discussed openly. One of her most famous poems, “Lady Lazarus,” portrays her own personal battle with suicidal thoughts, symbolizing both the pain and the power of survival. One excerpt from the poem reads:
Out of the ash
I rise with my red hair
And I eat men like air.
The imagery of “rising from the ash” alludes to the mythical phoenix, representing her resilience after feeling defeated in the face of self-destruction. In addition, the line “I eat men like air” conveys a strong sense of empowerment, as the speaker transforms her suffering into strength.
Plath’s work also explores the conflict between her self-identity and the societal expectations placed on women in the 1950s and ’60s. Her semi-autobiographical novel, “The Bell Jar,” delves into her struggles with mental illness, offering a candid look at the internal battles the narrator faced. In the final line of the book, she writes:
I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am.
This line reflects the narrator’s ongoing attempt to find stability and meaning in an oppressive world. Through her candid writing style, Plath created a body of work that has resonated with readers for decades, particularly those grappling with their own experiences of mental health, gender roles, and the search for identity.
Discover the Power of Words With an Online BA in English
For centuries, poetry has had the power to shape our understanding of the human experience. If you’re passionate about exploring the depths of poetry, literary analysis, and storytelling, pursuing an online Bachelor of Arts in English from The University of Texas Permian Basin allows you to dive deeper than ever before into the world of literature.
With a core curriculum that emphasizes both classic and contemporary texts, you’ll refine your skills in writing, critical thinking, and communication, preparing you for careers in education, marketing, publishing, and more. Plus, with diverse American Literature, British Literature, and elective courses, you can customize your studies to align with your passions and professional goals.
At UT Permian Basin, we’re proud to offer competitive tuition rates, flexible 100% online learning, and year-round start dates, making it easier than ever to achieve your degree on your schedule.
Have questions? Reach out today! We’re here to help. When you’re ready to take the next step, the application is just a click away.
Sources:
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48860/the-raven
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/49000/lady-lazarus