Stephen Crane was an American poet and novelist, and was a key figure in the Naturalism and Impressionism movements. His poems convey themes relating to death, loss, war, religion and love.
Crane’s poetry was unusual for his time, due to the use of free verse without rhyme or meter, and he often would not even put titles for his poems. His poems have also been unique for his logical prose and narrative content. Critic ,Ruth Miller stated Crane work was "an intellectual poetry rather than a poetry that evokes feeling, a poetry that stimulates the mind rather than arouses the heart."
His poetry was praised for being a ‘symbiosis’ of Naturalistic ideals and Impressionistic methods by critic Sergio Perosa. Researcher, Anthony Splendora, stated in 2015 that Cranes work is often haunted by death. Moreover, as the ninth child of strict Methodist parents, Crane’s poetry is heavily influenced by his religion.
Columbia University currently holds The Crane Collection featuring letters and documents and of Crane’s life.
