John Gould Fletcher was born on January 3, 1886 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He came from a wealthy and prominent family, and his father's death had a profound impact on his life. He attended Harvard University, but dropped out of college following the tragedy. Despite his brief time at Harvard, Fletcher was a gifted student and had a keen interest in literature.
Even before his formal education, Fletcher showed a talent for writing. In 1915, he published his first collection of poems, Irradiations: Sand and Spray. Two years later, he published Goblins and Pagodas, showcasing his unique poetic style. These early works established Fletcher as a promising young poet with a distinct voice.
Fletcher was associated with the Imagist school, a movement in poetry that emphasized precision, clarity, and economy of language. He shared the beliefs of his fellow Imagist poets, including Ezra Pound, and was known for his vivid and evocative imagery in his poems.
Despite his success as a poet, Fletcher faced personal challenges in his life. He was married twice, first to Daisy Arbuthnot and later to children's book author Charlie May Simon. His relationships were complicated, and he struggled with inner turmoil that often found expression in his poetry.
In 1950, Fletcher tragically ended his own life by drowning himself in the waters of Little Rock, Arkansas. His death shocked the literary community, as he was still regarded as a major figure in American poetry. The reasons for his suicide remain unclear, but his struggle with mental health issues likely played a significant role.
John Gould Fletcher's legacy as a poet and author lives on through his influential works, including The Burning Mountain and The Black Rock. His contributions to both the Imagist school and the Southern Agrarians have left a lasting impact on American literature. He is remembered for his innovative approach to poetry and his powerful exploration of themes such as nature, love, and loss.
Throughout his career, Fletcher received numerous accolades for his poetry, including the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. His works continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and poetry enthusiasts around the world. Despite his tragic end, Fletcher's contributions to the world of literature remain significant and enduring.