The correct spelling of the name "Harold Bloom" is spelled as /ˈhærəld bluːm/. The first syllable is pronounced as "ha-ruhld" with the vowel sound "a" while the second syllable is pronounced as "bl-oo-m" with the vowel sound "oo". The letter "o" in Bloom is pronounced like "u" in the word "moon" which is represented by the phonetic symbol /uː/. It's important to use the correct spelling and pronunciation of a name to avoid any confusion or miscommunication.
Harold Bloom was an influential American literary critic and academic known for his expertise in the field of literary criticism and theory. Born on July 11, 1930, in Bronx, New York, he passed away on October 14, 2019. Bloom gained recognition for his wide-ranging knowledge of Western literature, and his name became synonymous with discussions on literary canon, influence, and originality.
Often referred to as a foremost figure in the field of literary studies, Bloom authored numerous books, essays, and articles, where he presented his unique and controversial interpretations of literary works. His approach to literary criticism emphasized the concept of the "anxiety of influence," contending that all subsequent works are influenced by and in conversation with the texts that came before them. Bloom argued that strong writers must overcome this anxiety to establish their artistic identity and originality.
Bloom's literary theory revolved around the idea of "strong" or "central" writers, whom he called the "strong poets" or the "strong poets of influence." He believed that these writers, including figures like Shakespeare, Milton, and Whitman, were of utmost importance in Western literature due to their ability to shape and inform subsequent generations of writers. His theories sparked critical discourse and invited debate on the canon, the role of literary influence, and the identification of significant literary voices throughout history.
Throughout his career, Bloom taught at prestigious universities, including Yale University and New York University, where he held the Sterling Professorship of Humanities. His contributions to the field of literary criticism earned him numerous accolades, including honorary degrees and fellowships. Harold Bloom's legacy continues to have a significant impact on literary studies, provoking further conversations and analyses of great works of literature and their influential authors.
The word "Harold Bloom" is not derived from any specific etymology as it is a proper noun, referring to an individual. "Harold" is a given name of Germanic origin, meaning "ruler of the army". "Bloom" is an English surname, derived from the Middle English word "blome", meaning "flower" or "blossom". When used together, "Harold Bloom" refers to the American literary critic and scholar, Harold Bloom.