The Old Glory

play by Lowell

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July 20, 2026

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"The Old Glory" is a trilogy of plays by American poet Robert Lowell. Published in 1965, the work explores American culture through historical perspectives. Lowell, known for his complex and autobiographical poetry, including the foundational work of confessional poetry Life Studies, used his plays to examine the interplay between politics, the individual, and society. The title "Old Glory" itself is a nickname for the flag of the U.S., suggesting themes of national identity and history within the plays.

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Robert Lowell
Later works
Lowell’s trilogy of plays, The Old Glory, which views American culture over the span of history, was published in 1965 (rev. ed. 1968). His later poetry volumes include The Dolphin (1973), which won him a second Pulitzer Prize, and Day by Day (1977). His translations include Phaedra (1963) and…
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Lowell’s trilogy of plays, The Old Glory, which views American culture over the span of history, was published in 1965 (rev. ed. 1968). His later poetry volumes include The Dolphin (1973), which won him a second Pulitzer Prize, and Day by Day (1977). His translations include Phaedra (1963) and…
Read More