Walter de la Mare, born in London in 1873, stands as a significant figure in 20th-century literature, celebrated for his romantic imagination and exploration of dreamlike realms. His extensive body of work, encompassing poetry, short stories, and novels, delves into themes of dreams, death, childhood fantasy, and the pursuit of the transcendent. This exploration of his life and work reveals a writer deeply concerned with the intangible realities that lie beyond the surface of everyday experience.
Contents
From Bookkeeper to Poet: The Early Years of Walter de la Mare
De la Mare’s formal education concluded at St. Paul’s Cathedral School. Following graduation, he embarked on an 18-year career with the Anglo-American Oil Company, working as a bookkeeper. However, even amidst the practicalities of the corporate world, his creative spirit flourished. He began writing short stories and poetry in the 1890s, with his first published short story, “Kismet,” appearing in Sketch magazine in 1895.
The publication of Songs of Childhood in 1902 marked de la Mare’s arrival as a notable literary voice. This collection of poetry, praised for its imaginative imagery and diverse meters, cemented his reputation as a skilled writer of children’s literature. Critics frequently point to the childlike wonder that permeates his work, highlighting his portrayal of childhood as a time of profound intuition, emotion, and spiritual connection. This focus on the imaginative world of childhood would become a hallmark of his writing.
The subsequent publications of his novel Henry Brocken and the poetry collection Poems in 1908 led to de la Mare being awarded a Civil List pension. This financial support enabled him to leave his corporate job and dedicate himself entirely to his writing. This pivotal moment allowed him to fully immerse himself in the exploration of the themes and stylistic approaches that would define his unique literary contributions.
Exploring the Dreamlike Landscapes of de la Mare’s Poetry
De la Mare’s poetry is often compared to that of Thomas Hardy and William Blake, sharing their respective preoccupations with mortality and visionary experiences. His primary artistic objective was the creation of a dreamlike atmosphere, suggesting a palpable yet elusive transcendent reality. This distinctive quality has attracted numerous admirers while also drawing criticism for its perceived lack of concrete doctrinal grounding. Some critics find an archness of tone, more suited to children’s verse, while others appreciate this playful quality. However, de la Mare’s mastery of poetic structure, particularly evident in his earlier collections, is widely acknowledged.
While The Burning Glass and Other Poems marked a perceived decline in artistic virtuosity for some, de la Mare’s work continued to resonate with readers who appreciated his unique exploration of the imaginative realm. His poetry, rather than being an escape from life, serves to heighten and intensify the experience of living, revealing the hidden depths of emotion and perception.
The Eerie Beauty of de la Mare’s Short Stories
The themes and moods of de la Mare’s short stories closely mirror those of his poetry. Collections such as The Riddle are imbued with the same sense of mystery and fantasy that characterizes his verse. His short fiction is often likened to that of Henry James, particularly for its intricate prose style and ambiguous treatment of supernatural themes. This is exemplified in his widely discussed short story “The Riddle,” a haunting tale of childhood innocence and the enigmatic nature of death.
Old wooden chest
The Outsider’s Perspective: de la Mare’s Novels
De la Mare’s novels hold a place of equal importance to his poetry. Early works like Henry Brocken (1904) blend fantasy with traditionally realistic genres. The Return (1911) explores a naturalistic world while maintaining a fantastical core. Memoirs of a Midget (1921), while not strictly fantasy, contains a strong element of the unusual and is considered by many to be his masterpiece, a profound study of social and spiritual outsiders.
A Legacy of Romantic Vision
Though sometimes labeled an escapist, Walter de la Mare was, in fact, a profound explorer of the imagination. He delved into the world of dreams, childhood wonder, and the mysteries of life and death, creating a unique and enduring literary legacy. His work continues to captivate readers who are drawn to his lyrical language, dreamlike imagery, and exploration of the intangible realities that shape human experience.