Walter de la Mare

Identification and basic context

Walter John de la Mare was an English poet, short story writer, and novelist. He is celebrated for his evocative and lyrical verse, often tinged with a sense of mystery and the supernatural. He wrote in English.

Childhood and education

Born in Charlton, Kent, de la Mare's early life was marked by the death of his father when he was young. He received his education at St. Paul's School in London. Following his schooling, he began working as a clerk for the Anglo-American Oil Company, a position he held for many years while simultaneously pursuing his literary career. His childhood experiences and his imaginative inner world were significant influences, often manifesting in his later writings.

Literary trajectory

De la Mare's literary career began with the publication of poems in magazines. His first collection of poetry, "Songs of Childhood," was published in 1902. He gained wider recognition with "The Listeners and Other Poems" (1912), which solidified his reputation as a significant poet. Throughout his career, he continued to publish poetry, short stories (often with supernatural themes), and novels, including notable works for children like "The Three Mulla-Mulgars" (1910). He also worked as a critic and reviewer.

Works, style, and literary characteristics

Major works include "Songs of Childhood" (1902), "The Listeners and Other Poems" (1912), "Collected Poems 1901-1918" (1920), and "Desert Islands and Other Poems" (1930). His prose includes "Memoirs of a Midget" (1921) and "The Return" (1910). His poetry is characterized by its musicality, delicate and often exquisite imagery, and a consistent exploration of themes such as childhood, dreams, the uncanny, the afterlife, nature, and the passage of time. His style is refined, lyrical, and often melancholic, with a distinct rhyming structure and meter, though he also experimented with freer forms. His poetic voice is often one of gentle observation, tinged with a profound sense of mystery and wonder.

Cultural and historical context

De la Mare wrote during a period of significant literary change, straddling the late Victorian era, the Edwardian period, and the modernist movement. While not directly aligned with a specific movement, his work shares affinities with Symbolism in its evocation of mood and suggestion. His poetry often served as an escape from the increasingly industrialized and materialistic world, offering a contemplative and imaginative alternative. He maintained a wide circle of literary acquaintances.

Personal life

Walter de la Mare married Elsie Frances King. They had four children. He was known for his gentle and somewhat reserved personality. His long career as a clerk provided financial stability, allowing him to dedicate himself to writing. His deep interest in the spiritual and the unseen world is evident throughout his work.

Recognition and reception

De la Mare received considerable recognition during his lifetime, including the Order of Merit in 1948. His poetry was widely admired for its beauty and craftsmanship, and he was considered one of the leading poets of his generation. His collections were popular, and his works for children also found an appreciative audience. He was respected both by the public and the academic literary community.

Influences and legacy

He was influenced by earlier poets like Christina Rossetti, William Blake, and perhaps even some aspects of Romantic poetry. His own work has influenced subsequent generations of poets, particularly those interested in lyrical expression, the supernatural, and the exploration of childhood. His distinctive voice and thematic concerns have secured his place in the canon of 20th-century English poetry.

Interpretation and critical analysis

Critics often focus on the dreamlike quality of his poetry, its exploration of thresholds between the known and the unknown, and its subtle psychological insights. His work is frequently analyzed for its use of imagery, its musical qualities, and its ability to evoke a sense of otherworldly beauty and subtle unease.

Curiosities and lesser-known aspects

De la Mare maintained a lifelong fascination with the supernatural and the mysterious, which fueled many of his stories and poems. His early work in commerce provided a practical contrast to his imaginative literary pursuits. He was known for his quiet demeanor and his dedication to his craft.

Death and memory

Walter de la Mare died in 1956. His poems continue to be read and appreciated for their enduring beauty, craftsmanship, and unique exploration of the imagination and the mysteries of existence.