Beloved Poet, Shel Silverstein - 680 Words

Do you remember reading comical poetry such as The Giving Tree during your childhood? Its author, Shel Silverstein, was one of the most recognizable children’s poets and poetry icons that has ever lived. He holds a household name due to the fact that despite his past he is able to help form a future in language, poetry, and the arts for the innovators of tomorrow. Silverstein’s works captured the essence of a person’s childhood and changed poetry and children’s literature forever. Sheldon Allan Silverstein was not always the literature icon he quickly became in the mid 20th century. Born on September 25, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois during the Great Depression. He was not a very sociable child. His hobbies included drawing cartoons and writing. As a result, his professional drawing and writing career began with cartooning and writing for Playboy Magazine, in 1952. He was also not popular with girls during his teenage year, which motivated him to write more mature poetry in the future about love. Silverstein wanted to reach out to all age groups and express that his talent was not only used for the entertainment of children, but for everyone. Silverstein didn’t write to impress others â€Å"†¦ he did â€Å"hope that people no matter what age, would find something to identify†¦ and experience a personal sense of discovery†.† in his poetry (Shel Silverstein 1999). Silverstein was divorced and had one daughter, who died in her childhood . He served in the armed forces during the 1950’s, andShow MoreRelatedThe Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein1308 Words   |  5 PagesFor example, Shel Silverstein is not only a unique author but quirky and fun, he paints wild pictures through the words of his story and takes his readers on an adventure of a lifetime. By reading and analyzing the work of an author you can connect with not only the work but the author themselves, you gain a better understanding and through this understanding you can connect the piece to your own life. Shel Silverstein once said, â€Å"If you’re a dreamer come on in† (Shel Silverstein Quotes)a quote