Children of the Night

Name: Children of the Night
Author: Edwin Arlington Robinson

By Edwin Arlington Robinson

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American Literature Poetry

About This Book

A linked collection of poems offering compact character studies and reflective lyrics that probe loneliness, failure, and the quiet tragedies of ordinary lives. Using sonnets and other strict forms alongside ballades and villanelles, the pieces set intimate scenes—often nocturnal or small-town—and linger on decay, mortality, and the burdens of conscience. Voices range from ironic detachment to tender sympathy, alternating narrative sketches with meditative lyrics. Concise diction and rhythmic control sharpen psychological insight, making recurrent motifs of darkness, loss, and moral reckoning into a sustained examination of human vulnerability.

About the Author

Edwin Arlington Robinson

Edwin Arlington Robinson was an American poet known for his profound exploration of human emotions and the complexities of life. Born in 1869, he gained recognition for his innovative use of language and form, often reflecting on themes of isolation and the human condition. His notable works include "Children of the Night," which showcases his mastery of lyrical poetry, and "The Man Against the Sky: A Book of Poems," where he delves into the struggles of the individual against societal expectations. Robinson's contributions to American literature have left a lasting impact, earning him multiple Pulitzer Prizes and a prominent place in the literary canon.