John Berryman

Date of Birth: October 25, 1914

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: January 7, 1972

Biography

John Berryman was an influential American poet, born on October 25, 1914, in McAlester, Oklahoma. He is best known for his contribution to the confessional school of poetry, particularly through his work “The Dream Songs.” Berryman’s early life was marked by tragedy; his father committed suicide when Berryman was twelve, an event that profoundly impacted his life and writing. Berryman attended Columbia University, where he studied under the poet Mark Van Doren and graduated in 1936. He later pursued graduate studies at Clare College, Cambridge. Berryman taught at several universities, including the University of Minnesota, where he spent a significant portion of his career. His most notable work, “The Dream Songs,” is a series of 385 poems that explore themes of identity, despair, and redemption, interwoven with a unique blend of humor and tragic intensity. The collection earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1965. Berryman’s other works include “Homage to Mistress Bradstreet” and “Love & Fame.” Unfortunately, Berryman struggled with alcoholism and depression throughout his life. These struggles culminated in his suicide on January 7, 1972, when he jumped from the Washington Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis.

5 Interesting Facts about John Berryman

1. John Berryman’s “The Dream Songs” won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1965.

2. He taught at the University of Minnesota for over a decade.

3. Berryman’s father committed suicide when John was twelve, a traumatic event that deeply influenced his poetry.

4. He studied under poet Mark Van Doren at Columbia University.

5. Berryman was known for his intense and often tumultuous personal life, marked by struggles with alcoholism and depression.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Berryman

1. “Life, friends, is boring. We must not say so.”

2. “I cannot believe that the inscrutable universe turns on an axis of suffering; surely the strange beauty of the world must somewhere rest on pure joy!”

3. “In the end, the only thing I learned was how to be a better writer.”

4. “The artist is extremely lucky who is presented with the worst possible ordeal which will not actually kill him. At that point, he’s in business.”

5. “The world is gradually becoming a place where I do not care to be anymore.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Berryman’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as poets of his era typically did not achieve substantial financial wealth. His value lies more in his literary contributions rather than monetary gains.