Randall Jarrell
1914–1965 (age 51)
Poet/Literary Critic
Biography
Randall Jarrell was a poet, critic, and teacher whose sensitive verse and insightful literary commentary shaped mid-century American letters. With a voice both tender and exacting, he captured the complexities of modern life and championed the importance of clarity and compassion in art.
While serving as poet-in-residence and critic, Jarrell mentored young writers with generosity, promoting an appreciation for lyricism and moral depth. His work continues to be read for its emotional intelligence and steadfast belief in literature’s power to illuminate the human condition.