Spoon River Anthology
Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1915
144
Poem • Fiction
Spoon River, Illinois • Early 1900s
1915
Adult
16-99 years
Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters is a collection of free verse poems that epitomizes the epitaphs of deceased residents of the fictional town of Spoon River. Through these monologues, individuals reveal intimate details and truths about their lives, creating a tapestry of American small-town experiences and illuminating the complexities of human nature.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Dark
12,699 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters is widely praised for its innovative free verse and poignant portrayal of small-town American life. Readers appreciate its unique structure and compelling character sketches. However, some find its tone bleak and repetitive. Despite this, the anthology remains an influential classic in modern poetry. Masters, Edgar Lee. Spoon River Anthology.
A reader who enjoys Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters is likely fascinated by American literature, particularly in exploring the complexity of small-town life through interconnected poetic monologues. Fans of Thornton Wilder's Our Town or Sherwood Anderson's Winesburg, Ohio would appreciate the candid, introspective portraits, and the themes of mortality and hidden truths.
12,699 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
144
Poem • Fiction
Spoon River, Illinois • Early 1900s
1915
Adult
16-99 years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!