Northrop Frye

Date of Birth: July 14, 1912

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: January 23, 1991

Biography

Herman Northrop Frye, commonly known as Northrop Frye, was a Canadian literary critic and literary theorist, considered one of the most influential of the 20th century. Born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and raised in Moncton, New Brunswick, Frye’s academic journey led him to the University of Toronto, where he would spend most of his career. His groundbreaking work “Anatomy of Criticism” (1957) established him as a formidable figure in literary criticism, advocating for a systematic and structured approach to literature. Frye’s theories emphasized the importance of myth and archetype in literature, and he was known for his ability to synthesize a vast array of literary traditions and genres. He held numerous prestigious positions and received several honorary degrees throughout his career. His influence extended beyond literary studies into fields such as philosophy, religious studies, and cultural criticism.

5 Interesting Facts about Northrop Frye

1. Northrop Frye served as the Chancellor of Victoria University in the University of Toronto from 1978 to 1991.

2. He was a recipient of the Governor General’s Award for Literature in 1986.

3. Frye’s interest in literature began with his mother reading him the Bible, which he later described as his first “textbook.”

4. His book “Fearful Symmetry” (1947) established his reputation as a leading Blake scholar.

5. Frye was known for his extensive personal library, which he meticulously organized and cataloged.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Northrop Frye

1. “The most technologically efficient machine that man has ever invented is the book.”

2. “Literature is the means by which we can see beyond our own limited experience.”

3. “The poet, however, is not a man speaking to men, but a man speaking to himself while we overhear.”

4. “In our own time, the literature of despair is very widely read.”

5. “The primary function of literature is to make us aware of the world in which we live.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Northrop Frye’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his influence and contributions to literary criticism were invaluable and widely recognized.