Robert Bly’s writing has been influenced by his background, experiences, and things relevant to the times. Bly helped to found an organization against the war in Vietnam, and was possibly the most outspoken poet at the time of the War.  When Bly received the National Book Award for a book he had written about Vietnam called “ The light around the body” he made a controversial speech about the US presence in Vietnam and then gave his 1,000-dollar check to a member of the resistance from the Vietnam War.    Bly’s controversial writing shows poets around the world that they should write what they believe in no matter what the reaction by the public will be.

 Bly was born in Minnesota in 1926 to Norwegian parents. He spent 2 years in the Navy and got his education between a small school in Minnesota called Olaf College and Harvard where he got a chance to work with many soon to be famous writers. As a child he grew up on a small farm but translated Swedish poetry into English for money to help out his family. Bly’s latest poetry shows how his background influences him when he recalls the time he spent on the farm as a boy. Bly also explores other cultures in his writing, such as Islamic and Asian. Bly has even written his thoughts and interpretations ancient mythology.  

Throughout Bly’s illustrious career he has become one of the most acclaimed poets of his time. His passion for writing what he believes in is what makes him stand out from every other poet. His writings have brought much criticism but he still publishes new work frequently. Bly will certainly go down as one of the best poets to ever live.