Laura Riding was a prolific American poet and critic known for her contributions to the modernist movement. Her name is often misspelled due to the unusual pronunciation of her surname, /ˈraɪdɪŋ/. The correct spelling is "Riding," not "Ridding" as it is often written. The "i" in "Riding" is pronounced as a long "i" sound, whereas "Ridding" would have a short "i" sound. The correct spelling is essential in ensuring that the name is pronounced correctly and respectfully in discussions of literary history.
Laura Riding (1901-1991) was an American poet, critic, and novelist known for her distinctive style and thought-provoking literary works. Born Laura Reichenthal in New York, she later changed her last name to Riding after separating from her first husband.
Riding's poetry, often characterized as modernist, reflects her deep exploration of language and its limitations. Her poems are known for their cerebral nature, dense imagery, and philosophical themes. Riding's writing is characterized by a meticulous attention to sound and syntax, striving for clarity and precision.
As a critic, Riding was highly influential, challenging the traditional notions of literary criticism prevalent at the time. Her critical essays focused on language, metaphor, and the essence of poetic expression. Riding questioned the boundaries and limitations of language, arguing that it shaped and constrained how we understand the world.
Riding's novels were a departure from her poetical work and were centered on psychological themes. Her novel "Progress of Stories" (1935) dealt with the complexities of personal relationships and communication, exploring the difficulties of expressing oneself fully and authentically.
However, Riding's career was overshadowed by her controversial beliefs in the 1930s and 1940s, when she espoused extreme political and philosophical positions. These radical ideas, including advocating for a complete reformulation of our understanding of language and literary conventions, drew criticism and caused her to retreat from the literary world.
Despite her later withdrawal from public life, Laura Riding's contributions to poetry, criticism, and literature as a whole remain noteworthy. Her innovative and thought-provoking work continues to inspire and challenge readers, making her an important figure in the realm of 20th-century American literature.
The word "Laura Riding" is not a word with an etymology in the traditional sense as it does not have a linguistic origin or history. Instead, "Laura Riding" refers to the name of an individual, Laura Riding Jackson.
Laura Riding Jackson was an American poet, literary critic, and author. She was born on January 16, 1901, in New York City and passed away on September 2, 1991, in Wabasso, Florida. She initially used the name Laura Riding as her pen name, and later adopted it as her legal name.
It's worth mentioning that Laura Riding is known for her association with the literary modernist movement and her extensive body of written work. However, the name itself does not have an etymological background beyond its association with her as an individual.