The Most Famous Female Poet, Ranked

Choose the female poet you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 24, 2024 07:38
Literature enthusiasts often debate the merits and impacts of various poets. Among female poets, whose voices have historically been overshadowed, distinguishing the most influential figures helps highlight their contributions and brings deserved recognition to their works. This recognition aids in educational pursuits and enriches the cultural landscape for all literature lovers. By participating in the voting for the most famous female poets, users contribute to a collective appreciation and a better-informed community. This process not only ensures that these poets receive their due respect but also inspires conversations and further exploration into their profound works. Each vote plays a crucial role in shaping a broader understanding of their artistic legacies.

Who Is the Most Famous Female Poet?

  1. 1
    56
    points
    Emily Dickinson

    Emily Dickinson

    An American poet known for her reclusive nature and unique style, Emily Dickinson's work was largely unpublished during her lifetime but gained significant acclaim posthumously.
    • Nationality: American
    • Lifespan: 1830–1886
  2. 2
    47
    points
    Maya Angelou

    Maya Angelou

    An American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences.
    • Nationality: American
    • Lifespan: 1928–2014
  3. 3
    29
    points
    Sylvia Plath

    Sylvia Plath

    An American poet, novelist, and short-story writer known for advancing the genre of confessional poetry, Sylvia Plath is best known for her two published collections: 'The Colossus and Other Poems' and 'Ariel.'
    • Nationality: American
    • Lifespan: 1932–1963
  4. 4
    21
    points
    Elizabeth Barrett Browning

    Elizabeth Barrett Browning

    One of the most prominent English poets of the Victorian era, Elizabeth Barrett Browning is remembered for her passionate search for social justice and her enduring love poems.
    • Nationality: British
    • Lifespan: 1806–1861
  5. 5
    8
    points

    Mary Oliver

    An American poet who won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. Mary Oliver's work is known for its clear and poignant observances of the natural world.
    • Nationality: American
    • Lifespan: 1935–2019
  6. 6
    2
    points
    Adrienne Rich

    Adrienne Rich

    An American poet, essayist, and feminist. Adrienne Rich was credited with bringing the oppression of women and lesbians to the forefront of poetic discourse.
    • Nationality: American
    • Lifespan: 1929–2012
  7. 7
    0
    points
    Sappho

    Sappho

    An ancient Greek poet from the island of Lesbos, Sappho is renowned for her lyric poetry, written to be sung while accompanied by a lyre.
    • Nationality: Greek
    • Era: c. 630 – c. 570 BC
  8. 8
    0
    points
    Audre Lorde

    Audre Lorde

    An American writer, feminist, womanist, librarian, and civil rights activist. Audre Lorde is known for her passionate writings on lesbian feminism and racial issues.
    • Nationality: American
    • Lifespan: 1934–1992
  9. 9
    0
    points

    Anne Sexton

    An American poet known for her highly personal, confessional verse. Anne Sexton won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1967 for her book 'Live or Die.'
    • Nationality: American
    • Lifespan: 1928–1974
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Christina Rossetti

    Christina Rossetti

    An English poet who wrote a variety of romantic, devotional, and children's poems. Christina Rossetti is famous for works like 'Goblin Market' and 'Remember.'
    • Nationality: British
    • Lifespan: 1830–1894

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous female poet. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or poetess is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

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  • 163 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each poetess once every 24 hours. The rank of each poetess is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Female Poet

Emily Dickinson
Rank #1 for the most famous female poet: Emily Dickinson (Source)
Poetry has always been a powerful form of expression. Among poets, women have made a lasting impact with their words. They have captured the essence of life, love, and loss. Their works often reflect personal experiences, societal issues, and the human condition.

Women poets have faced many challenges. In earlier times, society often restricted their voices. Despite these hurdles, they found ways to share their thoughts. They wrote about their lives, their struggles, and their dreams. Their poems often spoke of freedom, equality, and justice.

Their writing styles vary. Some use simple language and clear images. Others prefer complex structures and rich metaphors. Regardless of style, their poems resonate with readers. They touch on universal themes, making them timeless.

Many female poets broke new ground. They introduced new forms and techniques. They experimented with rhythm and rhyme. Their innovative approaches inspired future generations. They showed that poetry could be both personal and political.

These poets also played a key role in movements for change. Their words fueled social and political movements. They used their poetry to challenge norms and advocate for rights. Their influence extended beyond literature into broader cultural and social spheres.

Education and access to books played a crucial role. As more women gained education, more voices emerged. They drew inspiration from various sources, including mythology, history, and personal experiences. Their diverse backgrounds enriched their poetry.

Many of these poets gained recognition during their lifetimes. Others were celebrated posthumously. Their works have been translated into many languages. They continue to be studied and appreciated worldwide.

Their legacy lives on. Contemporary poets draw inspiration from their works. They continue to push boundaries and explore new themes. The impact of these pioneering women remains evident in modern poetry.

In summary, female poets have made significant contributions to literature. They overcame obstacles, introduced new ideas, and inspired change. Their works remain relevant and continue to inspire readers and writers alike. Their voices, once silenced, now echo through the ages.

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