Adrienne Rich

            Adrienne Rich was one of the most influential feminist writers and poets of all time. Her life was filled with struggle just like almost everybody else. However, the way that she handled hardships was quite unique. She always tried to see the positive sides of things even when she separated from her husband and he killed himself. She stayed close to her three offspring and continued her life as an openly gay feminist poet who braved against the social norms of her time. She challenged her generations political and social practices not only through her writing, but also by attending open debates.
            Rich made her views clear and drew both praise and criticism. She won many awards, including first prize in a Yale Youngster Poet competition. Although she was an acclaimed poet, she had a few personality flaws. She had a short fuse and was quick to snap at people. She disconnected most ties to men in her life who might have helped benefit her through their networks and connections in the world of literature.
            Rich was a left-wing, liberal, post modernist who hated racism, sexism, and homophobia. She was all about people being allowed to express their opinions, but only if done so in a fair way. To this day, she helps inspire feminists, lesbians, and poets along with every other type of human being through her writing and the way that she has used her work to express her views.