Written by: David Williams

Marilyn Hacker: A Versatile Poet, Translator, and Critic

A Literary Icon of Unparalleled Versatility

Marilyn Hacker is an American poet, translator, and critic, renowned for her exceptional mastery of language and her extensive contributions to the literary world. With a career spanning over five decades, Hacker has established herself as a prominent figure in contemporary literature, leaving an indelible mark on the world of poetry, translation, and literary criticism.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 27, 1942, in the Bronx, New York, Marilyn Hacker was the only child of Jewish immigrant parents. Her father, a management consultant, and her mother, a teacher, instilled in her a love for learning and literature. Hacker's educational pursuits took her to the Bronx High School of Science, where she met her future husband, Samuel R. Delany, a well-known science fiction writer. She enrolled at New York University at the age of fifteen, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Romance Languages in 1964.

Literary Career and Achievements

• Presentation Piece (1974), Hacker's debut poetry collection, won the National Book Award, solidifying her position as a rising star in the literary world.
• Her subsequent poetry collections, Love, Death, and the Changing of the Seasons (1986) and Going Back to the River (1990), further cemented her reputation as a poet of remarkable skill and sensitivity.
• In 2003, Hacker received the Willis Barnstone Translation Prize, acknowledging her exceptional talent as a translator.
• The PEN Award for Poetry in Translation in 2009 and the PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry in 2010 are testaments to her expertise in translation and poetry.

Translations and Collaborations

Hacker's translations have introduced readers to the works of French and Francophone writers, including Rachida Madani and Marie Étienne. Her collaborations with authors have led to the creation of remarkable works, such as the prize-winning translation of King of a Hundred Horsemen by Marie Étienne.

Personal Life and Identity

Hacker's personal life has been marked by significant relationships, including her marriage to Samuel R. Delany, with whom she had a daughter, Iva Hacker-Delany, in 1974. The couple divorced in 1980 but remained close friends. Hacker identifies as a lesbian and has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Legacy and Impact

Marilyn Hacker's contributions to literature have been profound and far-reaching. Her poetry, translations, and criticism have inspired generations of writers and readers. As a professor emerita at the City College of New York, she has shared her knowledge and passion with countless students. Hacker's legacy continues to grow, as her work remains a testament to the power of language and the human experience.

Through her remarkable body of work, Marilyn Hacker has left an indelible mark on the literary world, cementing her place as one of the most important and influential poets, translators, and critics of our time.