The poems in this lesson plan showcase a wide selection of Williams’ poems throughout his lifetime. Recognized as a pioneer of poetry in simple, straightforward language, which prizes immediacy and clarity over the perceived excesses of romantic poetry, Williams became a leader in the Modernist literary movement. His writing is commonly known for its starkness and focus, and his most famous collections include Spring and All, The Desert Music and Other Poems, Pictures from Brueghel and Other Poems, and Paterson. Perhaps his most recognized work is the poem “The Red Wheelbarrow,” which prominently features a sparse, minimal aesthetic.
Poet Randall Jarrell said that, in his work, Williams...
