Theodore Roethke was a likable man that was well known for his inspirations through poetry and teaching. According to poet Rosemary Sullivan, Roethke’s poetry conveys, “his sensitivity to the subliminal, irrational world of nature. This naturalistic and emotional poetic style ultimately gave him his renowned reputation. Roethke was awarded many poetry awards including the Shelley Award, the Edna St. Vincent Millay Memorial Award, and many more. Among these honors, he won the Pulitzer Prize in 1954 for his poetry collection Waking. Roethke also won the National Book Award in 1959. With over 35 poems, Theodore is said to be one of the greatest poets of his generation.
"He invented a vocabulary of metamorphosis. He uprooted his environment for unfolding images, replayed light, objects, emotions back to us in juxtapositions never seen or heard before. Inside that darkly blooming world where he debated with God, death and all things green, lovely visions struck him... –Life Magazine, 1972
Besides poetry, Roethke was an inspirational teacher and instructor. During his transition to the University of Washington, the president of Bennington College commented, “He is an extremely complex, temperamental and somewhat eccentric person…If the University of Washington can take his eccentric personality, it will acquire one of the best teachers I have ever seen (1). In addition were other admirable comments in regards to Roethke’ contributions to his faculty. Besides his faculty, students of his also recall their impressions of Roethke. Many of his students called Roethke the “Mad Genius.” Others said he was a passionate individual who relied very much on his internal feelings. It is safe to say that his battle with depression and alcoholism were closely related to these strong feelings.
Theodore’s teaching style was also recognized. He was determined to share his writing abilities with his students. His energy would resonate throughout the entire classroom (2). One of his former students said Professor Roethke came into class one morning saying, "Good writing always begins with close observation. Watch me closely and write down exactly what I do." Roethke jumped on top of his desk and danced an Irish jig for several minutes, then crawled out a third-story window and made faces at his students (3). His reputation for instructing and his positive impact on students ultimately earned him a spot in history. A main auditorium on the UW campus was named after him in 1970.
1. “Poet Theodore Roethke.” Washington.edu. UW Showcase, 1997. Web. <http://www.washington.edu/research/showcase/1947b.html>.
2. Knisely, James. “Theodore Roethke Remembered.” Historylink.org. History link, 2002. Web. <http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&File_Id=3857>.
3. "Madness and Meter: Life with Theodore Roethke, the Great American Poet of His Generation," Jay Parini, Pacific Northwest, December 1986, p. 20.
