Theodore Roethke

To fit Theodore Roethke definitely within a given tradition or to link him finally with other poets, past or present, who share certain of his predilections is tempting but too easy. He was, in fact, equally at home with any number of other poets, though we will be defeated in the endeavor to read his poetry honestly if we settle for a particular category in which to lodge him and so avoid further thought. Roethke needs first to be seen through his own work. However, it is too soon after his sudden death to sit in any final judgment on his writings – indeed this essay was written while he was still a vital part of the literary community. But surely the intensity and clarity of Roethke's vision in addition to his tremendous lyrical force and technical ability place him in company with some of the finest modern American poets.