Early Influences:
* Langston Hughes: A prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes's poetry, particularly its focus on African American life and struggles, deeply impacted Brooks. She even considered him her "mentor."
* Countee Cullen: Another significant figure of the Harlem Renaissance, Cullen's work, especially his use of traditional poetic forms, influenced Brooks's early poems.
* Paul Laurence Dunbar: A pioneering African American poet, Dunbar's work, which explored themes of race and identity, resonated with Brooks.
* Chicago's South Side: Growing up in Chicago's predominantly African American South Side neighborhood provided Brooks with a rich source of inspiration for her writing. She often drew from her community and experiences for her poems.
Literary Influences:
* Walt Whitman: Brooks admired Whitman's free verse style and his celebration of everyday life, particularly in his work "Leaves of Grass." This influence is evident in her later, more experimental poems.
* William Shakespeare: While not a direct influence on her content, Shakespeare's mastery of language and poetic form greatly influenced Brooks's craft.
* Modernist Poets: Brooks engaged with the works of modernist poets such as Ezra Pound, T.S. Eliot, and William Carlos Williams. She was particularly inspired by their experimentation with language and form.
Other Influences:
* Black Culture: Brooks was a staunch advocate for African American culture and history. Her writing is deeply infused with a celebration of Black identity and experiences.
* Feminism: While not explicitly a feminist, Brooks's writing often challenged traditional gender roles and explored the lives and struggles of women.
* Civil Rights Movement: Brooks's poems, particularly those written during the Civil Rights era, reflected the social and political turmoil of the time. She used her voice to advocate for equality and justice.
It's important to remember that these are just some of the most prominent influences on Gwendolyn Brooks. Her work was also shaped by her personal experiences, her own unique artistic vision, and the ever-changing literary landscape of her time.