The Poet in a Democracy
Elliot Ruchowitz-Roberts will explore the poetry and life of Robinson Jeffers, whose stark, powerful verse challenging the political and cultural norms of his time is even more relevant today. Known for his philosophy of “inhumanism”, his fierce critique of our country’s engagement in World War II, and human arrogance, Jeffers offered an uncompromising poetic voice during some of America’s most turbulent decades. More importantly, his poetry resonates deeply in these unsettled and challenging times. Through commentary and selected readings, Elliot Ruchowitz-Roberts will highlight how Jeffers’ poetry provides guidelines for living in this time of ecological and political crisis.
Elliot Ruchowitz-Roberts serves as president of the Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation, where he also coordinates the annual Prize for Poetry. A poet, translator, and Professor Emeritus at Monterey Peninsula College, he taught literature and humanities for over three decades. He also served as Poet-in-the-Schools for the Carl Cherry Center, fostering poetry education across Monterey County. He is the author of the poetry collection White Fire and co-translator of two works included in UNESCO’s Collection of Representative Works.
