The Man Against the Sky

work by Robinson

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

"The Man Against the Sky" is a collection of poems by American poet Edwin Arlington Robinson, published in 1916. This work brought Robinson critical acclaim and is known for its dramatic lyrics that explore the meaning of life despite its dark aspects. The poems often focus on themes of personal defeat and the complexities of human existence, reflecting Robinson's own experiences with poverty and obscurity. The collection is characterized by its skillful use of stanzas, rhyme, and natural diction, examining the human condition through a style that blended late Romanticism with naturalism. Notable poems from this period include "Richard Cory" and "Miniver Cheevy."

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Edwin Arlington Robinson
…better, but the publication of The Man Against the Sky (1916) brought him critical acclaim. In these early works his best poetic form was the dramatic lyric, as exemplified in the title poem of The Man Against the Sky, which affirms life’s meaning despite its profoundly dark side. During these…
Read More
…better, but the publication of The Man Against the Sky (1916) brought him critical acclaim. In these early works his best poetic form was the dramatic lyric, as exemplified in the title poem of The Man Against the Sky, which affirms life’s meaning despite its profoundly dark side. During these…
Read More