There are those to whom place is unimportant, But this place, where sea and fresh water meet, Is important-
Portrait of Theodore Roethke
Theodore Roethke was one of America’s most accomplished poets when he joined the University of Washington faculty. In Seattle, Roethke wrote the North American Sequence, the brilliant conclusion to his life of poetry. Inspired by local friendships and by San Juan Island, he debuted “The Rose” to packed houses at Century 21, Seattle’s 1962 world’s fair.
When we think of “innovation,” we may not immediately think about poets. Yet there are common patterns of creativity. A line of software code and a line of poetry are products of hard thinking, much experimentation, and a determination to bring something fresh and new to life.
Through Roethke’s eyes, mind and art, readers can see a simple rose differently. Roethke’s Rose struggled at the edge of the sea, in the rocky cliffs of San Juan Island, growing a breathtaking, delicate beauty in that harsh place. His handwritten draft reveals the hard work of innovation – the trial and error of choosing the right word, the right rhythm, the risk of creativity.
At UW, Theodore Roethke made his mark as a gifted educator and brilliant thinker who a colleague once described as “one of the most valuable of our faculty members… wherever he is known, we are known.” Long after his death, his work continues to give readers new ways to understand the familiar.
Roethke’s hand-written draft of “The Rose” captures the experimentation, art, and hard work of creative innovation. (Roethke Collection, University Archives, Special Collections, UW Libraries)
Header image: Roethke teaching at UW
Further Reading
“The Rose” – As Published (JPG)
In this feature, take the opportunity to trace Roethke’s creative process from draft to final publication.
Roethke Collection, University Archives, Special Collections, UW Libraries
“Roethke’s Romanticism: ‘Poetic Profs Pack Padelford Hall’” (PDF)
On page 13, the Daily reporter reports on the UW faculty whose offices were in Padelford Hall, including Theodore Roethke, 11/3/1967.
University of Washington Daily
“Review of Roethke at Century 21” (PDF)
One of Roethke’s principal biographers, Allan Seager, quotes a review by the theater critic of Seattle’s Argus of Roethke’s reading at Century 21.
Allan Seager, The Glass House: The Life of Theodore Roethke. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan, 1991
“Seattle’s Surrealist Poet” (PDF)
Local arts writer Margaret Callahan profiles UW Professor Roethke as “one of the outstanding younger figures in the world or poetry,” 3/16/1952
Seattle Times
“UW Poet Bears Honor Modestly” (PDF)
Local press excitement as Theodore Roethke brings home a coveted Pulitzer Prize, 5/4/1954.
Seattle Times
“Pulitzer Winner” (PDF)
When Theodore Roethke agreed to a public reading at Century 21, his decision was big news, 10/3/1962
Seattle Times
Additional Resources
UW English Department Roethke Page
https://english.washington.edu/about-roethke-readings
Poetry Foundation Biography of Roethke
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/theodore-roethke
Roethke Papers Finding Aid
https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv82097
