Poetry Collections:
* The Children of the Night (1897): Robinson's first published collection, featuring his signature themes of loneliness, isolation, and the complexities of human nature.
* Captain Craig (1902): Introduces the character of Captain Craig, a central figure in Robinson's later works.
* The Town Down the River (1910): Explores the lives of individuals within a small, fictional New England town, reflecting on the themes of ambition, failure, and societal pressures.
* Merlin (1917): A long poem that delves into the Arthurian legend, focusing on the character of Merlin and his relationship with King Arthur.
* Roman Bartholow (1923): A collection of poems that examine the life and struggles of a fictional character named Roman Bartholow.
* Tristram (1927): A poetic retelling of the Arthurian legend, focusing on the tragic love story of Tristram and Iseult.
* Collected Poems (1937): Published posthumously, this volume gathers Robinson's entire poetic output.
Individual Poems:
* "Richard Cory" (1897): A poignant and thought-provoking poem about the illusion of happiness and the reality of inner turmoil.
* "Miniver Cheevy" (1910): A satirical poem that explores the yearning for a romanticized past and the disillusionment of modern life.
* "The Man Against the Sky" (1915): A philosophical poem that reflects on the human condition and the search for meaning in a vast and indifferent universe.
* "Eros Turannos" (1916): A poem about the irresistible power of love and its tragic consequences.
* "The Sheaves" (1921): A reflection on the passing of time and the inevitable decline of human life.
Robinson's works are often characterized by their:
* Formal structure: He primarily wrote in traditional verse forms like sonnets and blank verse.
* Psychological depth: He delves into the inner lives of his characters, exploring their thoughts, feelings, and motivations.
* Themes of isolation and disillusionment: His poetry often portrays characters grappling with loneliness, failure, and the limitations of human existence.
* Skeptical outlook: He questions traditional notions of heroism, success, and the meaning of life.
Robinson's poetry has earned him a significant place in American literary history. He is considered a master of psychological realism and a poet who captures the complexities and contradictions of the human experience.