William Empson

Date of Birth: September 27, 1906

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 15, 1984

Biography

William Empson was a distinguished English poet and literary critic born on September 27, 1906, in Yokefleet Hall, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. Empson is best known for his critical work “Seven Types of Ambiguity,” which he wrote at the age of 22. This seminal text revolutionized the field of literary criticism by exploring the complex layers of meaning in poetry and prose. Empson was a student at Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he was influenced by I.A. Richards and developed his distinctive analytical style. Apart from his critical works, Empson published several collections of poetry, including “Poems” (1935) and “The Gathering Storm” (1940). After completing his education, Empson had a varied career, teaching in China and Japan before returning to England. His experiences in Asia deeply influenced his world view and literary output. During World War II, he worked for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and later took up academic positions at various prestigious institutions, including the University of Sheffield where he served as a professor of English literature. Empson’s work in both poetry and criticism has had a lasting impact on modern literary theory. He passed away on April 15, 1984, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence scholars and readers alike.

5 Interesting Facts about William Empson

1. William Empson was expelled from Magdalene College, Cambridge, due to the discovery of contraceptives in his room, a scandalous matter at the time.

2. He served as a professor of English literature at the University of Sheffield from 1953 to 1971.

3. Empson’s critical methodology often explored the multiplicity of meanings within a single text, a technique that has influenced numerous subsequent literary critics.

4. His work “Seven Types of Ambiguity” was written when he was just 22 years old and remains a cornerstone in the field of literary criticism.

5. Empson was also an accomplished poet, and his poetry often intertwined with his critical theories, showcasing his belief in the importance of ambiguity and multiple interpretations.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Empson

1. “The central function of imaginative literature is to make you realize that other people act on moral convictions different from your own.”

2. “Ambiguity is the root of all art, and the source of all creativity.”

3. “Life involves maintaining oneself between contradictions that can’t be solved by analysis.”

4. “Poetry is a succession of questions which the poet constantly poses.”

5. “A human being appears frivolous and does not seem to mind if he is made to look foolish; he is in fact playing for very high stakes.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

William Empson was primarily an academic and poet, and thus did not amass a significant personal fortune. Specific information about his net worth is not readily available, but his wealth was modest, typical of an academic of his time.

Children

William Empson had four children: Jacob, Alexander, Sarah, and Martha. His family life, though private, was an integral part of his world, and his children have continued to maintain his legacy.