William Empson

English poet and literary critic

William Empson - Thinkers & Philosophers born September 27th, 1906
Born
Died

1984
42 years ago — 78 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

Empson contributed significantly to literary criticism and poetry in the 20th century. Educated at Winchester College and Magdalene College, Cambridge, he became a prominent figure in literary discussions. His book 'Seven Types of Ambiguity', published in 1930, established a new framework for understanding poetry, focusing on the nuances of meaning in literary texts. Empson's poetry showcased his analytical skills, with works exploring themes of ambiguity and clarity. He taught at various institutions, including the University of Sheffield and the University of Tokyo, influencing generations of students and scholars.

Authored 'Seven Types of Ambiguity'

Contributed to modern literary criticism

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