Interview with Robert Penn Warren, November 7, 1978

Interview Summary

Warren begins the interview by reflecting upon his early literary influences. Next, Warren discusses his artistic hobby of painting, coupled with anecdotes of the interesting friends he made as an undergraduate at Vanderbilt University. Additionally, Warren tells of the real-life inspirations for literary characters, followed by a description of the author's early poetic style. Warren's subsequent change in style is then highlighted, as well as the reasoning behind the author's decision to begin writing poetry. The health problems of Warren are noted, along with an examination of his early novels. Also mentioned is the author's middle and recent periods of writing, paired with wartime and military experiences.

Interview Keyword

Suicide Nature Art Health Surgery World War, 1939-1945

Interview LC Subject

Authors Literature Warren, Robert Penn, 1905-1989 Novels Poetry American literature--20th century Travel

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.