By Ramon Rivasaez
This Venezuelan poet and playwright, born in the Altagracia parish of Caracas on November 30, 1921 and died in the same city on May 15, 2007, wrote poetry that transcended the country’s borders, since on May 31, 2004 she received a tribute from the Chinese government, held in Beijing.
Daughter of a Venezuelan of German origin, Miguel Antonio Schon, and a Caracas native, Luisa Ibarra del Fino, she soon distinguished herself for her interest in the enjoyment of literature and humanism, which led her to pursue humanistic careers, initially at the National Pedagogical Institute and later at the UCV, while at the same time she leaned towards music.
But it was the world of letters that motivated him to write about literary subjects in the newspaper El Nacional, years later in the magazine Sardio, and other publications such as Árbol de fuego and Poesía de Venezuela, which collected his poetic texts and some essays.
In 1953, in the midst of the military dictatorship of Marcos Pérez Jiménez, he published his first collection of poems, La gruta venidera, under the publishing label of Ediciones Cruz del Sur, which received good reviews from specialized critics.
After a long period of silence, in 1962 Schon published the book En el allá disparado desde ninguna principio (In the Beyond, No Beginning); his third volume appeared in 1965, El abuelo, la cesta y el mar (The Grandfather, the Basket and the Sea), with a prologue by the poet Ida Gramcko. One of his texts most celebrated by Venezuelan critics at the time.
About this book, the poet Juan Liscano praised “a stripped-down language and the affective and evocative world it contains,” and also highlighted that in Elizabeth Schon there is no “abstract poetry, but rather lyrical effusion, affective communication…”
The poet Liscano insisted that, without a doubt, “It is the acceptance of a subjectivity rich in femininity, feeling, expressive simplicity.”
In 1971, under the auspices of the Municipality of Caracas, Schon published his other celebrated book of poems, The Unfathomable Cistern, in whose texts, rich in naming the universe of which the poet is a part, sees the desolate steppes of the soul; man as a witness to his solitude in the depths of the earth, in oppressive voids, but also glorifies the fertile land that accompanies and generously welcomes him.
In 1972, Schon, baptized his book Casi un país, published by the Municipal Printing Office, while in 1973, the UCV, sponsored his book Es escucha la vertiente, from whose texts we find this fragment that addresses the plenitude, the completeness of things: «…There is no more complete plenitude/ than that of the stone always stone/ and constantly possessing itself/ with its portal/ at the end of the last step…»
For his poetry, he was awarded the Municipal Prize of the Federal District in 1971, while in 1994 his creative worth was confirmed when the Venezuelan state awarded his poetic work the National Prize.
Finally, in 2004, he received a tribute from the Chinese government in Beijing, when a bibliographic exhibition of his work was inaugurated in the National Library of the great Asian nation, the first recognition of a Venezuelan writer in those parts.
Elizabeth Schon, without a doubt, is an asset of Venezuelan democratic life, whose work spreads the generosity of this land that exalts man for his culture and his creative imagination.
#Democratic #values #Elizabeth #Schon #Ramón #Rivasáez
2024-09-18 06:33:44
What are the key themes explored in Elizabeth Schön’s poetry?
Table of Contents
The Life and Works of Elizabeth Schön: A Venezuelan Poetic Icon
Introduction
Elizabeth Schön, a renowned Venezuelan poet and playwright, left an indelible mark on the world of literature. Born on November 30, 1921, in Caracas, Venezuela, and deceased on May 15, 2007, Schön’s poetical works transcended national borders, earning her international recognition, including a tribute from the Chinese government in 2004.
Early Life and Influences
Schön was born to a Venezuelan father of German origin, Miguel Antonio Schön, and a Caracas native, Luisa Ibarra del Fino. Her early interest in literature and humanism led her to pursue humanistic careers at the National Pedagogical Institute and later at the Central University of Venezuela (UCV). Her passion for music also played a significant role in shaping her artistic vision.
Literary Career
Schön began her writing career by publishing literary articles in various Venezuelan publications, including El Nacional, Sardio, Árbol de fuego, and Poesía de Venezuela. Her first collection of poems, La gruta venidera, was released in 1953 under the Ediciones Cruz del Sur publishing label, receiving positive reviews from critics.
After a period of silence, Schön published En el allá disparado desde ninguna principio (In the Beyond, No Beginning) in 1962, followed by El abuelo, la cesta y el mar (The Grandfather, the Basket and the Sea) in 1965, which included a prologue by the poet Ida Gramcko. The latter work was highly praised by Venezuelan critics, with poet Juan Liscano commending Schön’s “stripped-down language and the affective and evocative world it contains.”
Themes and Style
Schön’s poetry is characterized by its lyricism, simplicity, and expressive power. Her work often explores themes of solitude, the human condition, and the relationship between the individual and the universe. Liscano noted that Schön’s poetry is marked by “a subjectivity rich in femininity, feeling, expressive simplicity.”
Notable Works
Some of Schön’s most celebrated works include:
- La gruta venidera (1953) – Her first collection of poems, which received positive reviews from critics.
- El abuelo, la cesta y el mar (1965) – A highly acclaimed work that showcases Schön’s unique poetic style.
- La cisterna insondable (1971) – A collection of poems that explores the human condition and the universe.
- Casi un país (1972) – A book of poems that reflects on the human experience and the natural world.
- Es escucha la vertiente (1973) – A work that delves into the themes of plenitude and completeness.
Awards and Recognition
Schön’s outstanding contributions to Venezuelan literature were recognized with several awards, including the Municipal Prize of the Federal District in 1971 and a special tribute from the Venezuelan state in 1994.
Legacy
Elizabeth Schön’s poetry continues to inspire generations of readers and writers, both in Venezuela and around the world. Her unique voice and perspective have left an indelible mark on the world of literature, ensuring her legacy as a poetic icon of Venezuelan culture.
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– What are the key themes in Elizabeth Schön’s poetry?
The Life and Works of Elizabeth Schön: A Venezuelan Poetic Icon
Elizabeth Schön, a renowned Venezuelan poet and playwright, left an indelible mark on the country’s literary landscape. Born on November 30, 1921, in Caracas, Venezuela, Schön’s poetry transcended national borders, earning her international recognition and accolades. This article delves into the life and works of this exceptional poet, exploring her early years, literary career, and the impact of her poetry on Venezuelan culture.
Early Life and Education
Elizabeth Schön was born to Miguel Antonio Schön, a Venezuelan of German origin, and Luisa Ibarra del Fino, a Caracas native. Her family encouraged her interest in literature and humanism, leading her to pursue humanistic careers at the National Pedagogical Institute and later at the Central University of Venezuela (UCV). Schön’s early fascination with music also played a significant role in shaping her artistic vision.
Literary Career
Schön’s writing career began with literary subjects in the newspaper El Nacional, followed by contributions to magazines such as Sardio, Árbol de fuego, and Poesía de Venezuela. These publications showcased her poetic texts and essays, introducing her unique voice to the Venezuelan literary sphere.
Publishing Debut and Critical Acclaim
In 1953, during the military dictatorship of Marcos Pérez Jiménez, Schön published her first collection of poems, La gruta venidera, under the Ediciones Cruz del Sur publishing label. The book received positive reviews from specialized critics, solidifying her position as a rising literary star.
Notable Works
Schön’s subsequent publications include En el allá disparado desde ninguna principio (1962), El abuelo, la cesta y el mar (1965), and La cisterna insondable (1971). The latter, published under the auspices of the Municipality of Caracas, featured poems that explored the human experience, solitude, and the beauty of the natural world.
Critical Reception and Awards
Schön’s poetry was praised by critics and peers alike. Poet Juan Liscano, in particular, acknowledged her unique voice, describing it as “a stripped-down language and the affective and evocative world it contains.” Schön’s work was also recognized with several awards, including the Municipal Prize of the Federal District (1971) and the National Prize (1994).
International Recognition
In 2004, the Chinese government honored Schön with a tribute in Beijing, featuring a bibliographic exhibition of her work at the National Library of China. This recognition marked the first time a Venezuelan writer was celebrated in China, underscoring the global reach of Schön’s poetry.
Legacy
Elizabeth Schön’s contribution to Venezuelan literature is invaluable. Her poetry, characterized by simplicity, affectivity, and evocative power, continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers. As an asset to Venezuelan democratic life, Schön’s work highlights the country’s rich cultural heritage, promoting humanism, and the beauty of the natural world.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Schön’s life and works serve as a testament to the transformative power of poetry. Through her unique voice and vision, she has left an indelible mark on Venezuelan literature, extending her influence far beyond national borders. As we celebrate her legacy, we are reminded of the importance of poetry in bridging cultural divides and fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience.
SEO Keywords: Elizabeth Schön, Venezuelan poet, playwright, literature, poetry, humanism, culture, National Prize, Chinese government, Beijing, National Library of China, literary icon, Venezuelan literature.
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