How to Write a Biography for a Poet

As with any biographical account, a poet's biography must include the basic--birth, childhood, mark of independence, major life events and death. Poet-specific notable points include inspirations, quality progression and vices.

Birth and childhood

A poet may be faced with the tragic loss of his parents at a young age, and you should cover the factors involved and how deeply the poet was affected.

Mark of Independance

Many poets had vastly diverse jobs or educational pursuits, such as enlisting in the military before turning to poetry. Build a foundation to how their collegiate and working experiences influenced later work.

Major Life Events and Inspirations

Earlier you touched on the events that occurred during the poet's childhood; now provide more detail and note works where this trauma may be prevalent. Also cover what inspire her poetic flair to create verse--weather it be the glance of a woman or the cries of war, for example.

Vices

While not all poets suffered from a weak will towards alcohol, women or gambling, many had other issues that were not as evident. Touch on how their weaknesses and flaws influenced their poetry.

Death and Beyond

Be sure to note the writer's popularity (or notoriety) in the era of his passing. If the poetry gave relevant insight, tell what the poet would expect to encounter in the afterlife. Also, tell how widely circulated the poetry is today.