Herman Northrop Frye was a Canadian literary critic and theorist recognised as one of the most influential figures in 20th-century literary criticism. Best known for his work in literary theory, Frye gained international acclaim for his groundbreaking insights, most notably through his seminal work Anatomy of Criticism (1957). He also contributed significantly to the understanding of William Blake's poetry with his earlier book, Fearful Symmetry (1947).
Born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and raised in Moncton, New Brunswick, Frye was the third child of Herman Edward Frye and Catherine Maud Howard. His early education took him to Toronto, where he enrolled at Victoria College, University of Toronto, to study philosophy.
Frye's fascination with literature deepened, leading him to edit the college's literary journal, Acta Victoriana. Following his undergraduate studies, Frye studied theology at Emmanuel College in Toronto and was later ordained as a minister in the United Church of Canada. His academic career then took him to Merton College, Oxford, before returning to Victoria College.
Frye's rise to prominence began with his first book, Fearful Symmetry (1947), a critical study that significantly reinterpreted the prophetic poetry of William Blake. In this work, Frye identified a systematic use of metaphor and myth, suggesting that Blake's poetry was more structured than previously thought. Frye's interpretation of Blake's work reshaped the critical understanding of Blake's writings and earned Frye considerable recognition in literary circles.
Frye's most influential literary theory was Anatomy of Criticism (1957). In this book, Frye attempted to establish a systematic theory of literary criticism relevant universally to all forms of literature. He avoided specific practical criticism. Instead, he presented theoretical frameworks based on modes, symbols, myths and genres. Frye described his aim as providing a "synoptic view of the scope, theory, principles, and techniques of literary criticism."
The American critic Harold Bloom noted that Frye's Anatomy marked him as "the foremost living student of Western literature". The book's impact was profound, influencing generations of literary critics and scholars.
In his career, Frye held several prestigious positions, including Norton Professor at Harvard University and Chancellor of Victoria College at the University of Toronto. Despite his academic accolades, Frye never pursued a doctorate, which he felt was unnecessary for his scholarly contributions. He received numerous awards, including the Royal Society of Canada's Lorne Pierce Medal (1958) and the Canada Council's Molson Prize (1971).
Northrop Frye passed away on January 23, 1991, in Toronto, where he had spent much of his professional life. He was 78 years old.
Born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and raised in Moncton, New Brunswick, Frye was the third child of Herman Edward Frye and Catherine Maud Howard. His early education took him to Toronto, where he enrolled at Victoria College, University of Toronto, to study philosophy.
Frye's fascination with literature deepened, leading him to edit the college's literary journal, Acta Victoriana. Following his undergraduate studies, Frye studied theology at Emmanuel College in Toronto and was later ordained as a minister in the United Church of Canada. His academic career then took him to Merton College, Oxford, before returning to Victoria College.
Frye's rise to prominence began with his first book, Fearful Symmetry (1947), a critical study that significantly reinterpreted the prophetic poetry of William Blake. In this work, Frye identified a systematic use of metaphor and myth, suggesting that Blake's poetry was more structured than previously thought. Frye's interpretation of Blake's work reshaped the critical understanding of Blake's writings and earned Frye considerable recognition in literary circles.
Frye's most influential literary theory was Anatomy of Criticism (1957). In this book, Frye attempted to establish a systematic theory of literary criticism relevant universally to all forms of literature. He avoided specific practical criticism. Instead, he presented theoretical frameworks based on modes, symbols, myths and genres. Frye described his aim as providing a "synoptic view of the scope, theory, principles, and techniques of literary criticism."
The American critic Harold Bloom noted that Frye's Anatomy marked him as "the foremost living student of Western literature". The book's impact was profound, influencing generations of literary critics and scholars.
In his career, Frye held several prestigious positions, including Norton Professor at Harvard University and Chancellor of Victoria College at the University of Toronto. Despite his academic accolades, Frye never pursued a doctorate, which he felt was unnecessary for his scholarly contributions. He received numerous awards, including the Royal Society of Canada's Lorne Pierce Medal (1958) and the Canada Council's Molson Prize (1971).
Northrop Frye passed away on January 23, 1991, in Toronto, where he had spent much of his professional life. He was 78 years old.
years of life: 14 July 1912 – 23 January 1991
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