Learn About TS Eliot: Age, Birthdate, Zodiac Sign & More

Introduction

T.S. Eliot, born Thomas Stearns Eliot on September 26, 1888, in St. Louis, Missouri, was a renowned modernist poet. He is best known for his groundbreaking works, such as 'The Waste Land' and 'The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock', which have secured him a place among the most influential poets of the 20th century.

Early Life

Eliot was the youngest child of Henry Ware Eliot, a successful businessman, and Charlotte Champe Stearns, both of whom were well into their forties when he was born. Growing up, he developed a love for literature and poetry, which would later shape his own writing style.

Educational Background

• After completing his primary education in St. Louis, Eliot went on to study at Harvard College, where he pursued a degree in philosophy.
• During his time at Harvard, he became fascinated with the works of various literary figures, including the renowned American author Mark Twain.

Career and Marriage

In 1915, Eliot married Vivienne Haigh-Wood, a union that would prove to be tumultuous and fraught with difficulties. Despite the challenges in his personal life, Eliot continued to produce groundbreaking poetry, such as 'The Hollow Men' and 'Murder in the Cathedral'.

Later Life

• Following Vivienne's institutionalization and eventual passing, Eliot found love again and tied the knot with Esme Valerie Fletcher.
• Throughout his life, Eliot continued to push the boundaries of poetic expression, experimenting with form and language in ways that captivated readers and critics alike.

Legacy

T.S. Eliot's impact on modern literature cannot be overstated. His works continue to be studied and celebrated for their profound insights into the human condition and their innovative approach to poetic form. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948, solidifying his status as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century.

Eliot passed away on January 4, 1965, but his poetry lives on, inspiring generations of writers and readers to delve into the complexities of existence and uncover the beauty in the mundane.