William Alexander Percy

Poet, Writer

William Alexander Percy was a Southern poet and writer known for his exploration of love and identity, particularly in his work 'Lanterns on the Levee.'

Born
January 1, 1885
Died
January 1, 1942
Quotes
6
Rank
#4773

About William Alexander Percy

William Alexander Percy — Life and Legacy

William Alexander Percy was a prominent Southern poet and writer whose works delve into the intricacies of love and identity. His most notable work, 'Lanterns on the Levee,' reflects his deep connection to the Mississippi landscape and the emotional complexities of his life. Percy’s writing is characterized by its lyrical quality and profound insights into human relationships. At the heart of Percy’s philosophy is the belief that love is a powerful, transformative force. He articulated this through evocative imagery and poignant reflections, suggesting that love can lead to both fulfillment and heartache. For instance, his exploration of love often reveals the tension between desire and societal expectations, illustrating how personal identity is shaped by these dynamics. Percy’s work remains relevant today as it resonates with readers grappling with their own identities and relationships. His ability to capture the emotional depth of human experience continues to inspire those who seek to understand the complexities of love and the self.

Quote collection

William Alexander Percy quotes

6 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

William Alexander Percy Poet, Writer
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"With us, when you speak of ‘the river,’ though there be many, you mean always the same one, the great river, the shifting, unappeasable god of the country, feared and loved the Mississippi."

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William Alexander Percy Poet, Writer
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"And would it not be proud romance Falling in some obscure advance, To rise, a poppy field of France?"

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William Alexander Percy Poet, Writer
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"It is a very nice world-that is, if you remember that while morals are all-important between the Lord and His creatures, what counts between one creature and another is good manners."

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William Alexander Percy Poet, Writer
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"As with all great teachers, his curriculum was an insignificant part of what he communicated. From him you didn't learn a subject, but a life...Tolerance and justice, fearlessness and pride, reverence and pity, are learned in a course on long division if the teacher has those qualities."

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William Alexander Percy Poet, Writer
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"I have a need of silence and of stars. Too much is said too loudly. I am dazed. The silken sound of whirled infinity Is lost in voices shouting to be heard."

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William Alexander Percy Poet, Writer
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"I suspect anyway that the important things we learn we never remember because they become a part of us, we absorb them...we don't absorb multiplication tables."

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