W. H. Auden was one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. Born in York, England in 1907, he later moved to Oxford to study English literature. It was here that he discovered his love for poetry and began his journey towards becoming a celebrated poet. However, it was not just his time in Oxford that shaped him as a writer, but his experiences in America that truly cemented his place in the literary world.

Auden’s time at Oxford was formative in many ways. He was a member of the famous literary group, the “Oxford Group,” which included other well-known writers like Cecil Day-Lewis and Stephen Spender. This close-knit group of friends had a significant influence on Auden’s works and helped him hone his writing skills.

During his studies at Oxford, Auden was exposed to a variety of literary styles and influences, which he incorporated into his own work. His early poetry was marked by a strong sense of rhyme and meter, influenced by the works of poets like W. B. Yeats and T. S. Eliot. His time at Oxford also introduced him to Marxist and Freudian theories, which he would later incorporate into his writing.

In 1930, Auden published his first book, “Poems,” which received critical acclaim and solidified his place as a promising young poet. However, it was his move to America in 1939 that would truly shape his writing and cement his place in literary history.

Auden’s decision to move to America was largely influenced by political factors. As a homosexual man, he felt increasingly marginalized and wanted to escape the restrictive and conservative society of England. However, his move to New York also exposed him to a diverse and energetic community of artists and intellectuals.

In America, Auden continued to publish works that challenged social and political norms. He became an important voice against fascism and was known for his leftist political views. His poem, “September 1, 1939,” written on the day Germany invaded Poland, resonated with readers and became an iconic piece of literature.

Auden’s time in America was also marked by his collaboration with other influential writers and artists such as Christopher Isherwood, Chester Kallman, and Benjamin Britten. Together, they worked on numerous projects, including the operetta “Paul Bunyan,” which was later adapted into a successful Broadway production.

One of Auden’s most notable contributions to American literature was his refashioning of the poetic form. He rejected the strict rhyme and meter of traditional poetry and introduced a new style marked by colloquial language and free verse. This modern approach to writing poetry was both refreshing and controversial, establishing Auden as a pioneer in the literary world.

Despite facing criticism and controversy, Auden’s time in America proved to be a pivotal point in his life and career. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for his collection “The Age of Anxiety” in 1948 and continued to produce celebrated works until his death in 1973.

In conclusion, W.H. Auden’s journey from Oxford to America played a crucial role in shaping him as a poet. His time at Oxford exposed him to various literary influences, and his move to America allowed him to flourish and become an important voice in the literary world. Auden’s legacy continues to inspire generations of writers, and his journey through life serves as a testament to the transformative power of art and literature.