Arthur Symons
Arthur Symons: A Trailblazer of Symbolism and Decadence
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Arthur William Symons was a Welsh poet, critic, and playwright who is best known for his role in shaping the English literary movement known as Symbolism. He often used the pseudonym "A.W.S." in his writings.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on February 28, 1865, in Radnorshire, Wales, Symons passed away on May 22, 1945, in London, England.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Symons was a Welsh national with multiple careers as a poet, critic, translator, and playwright. He is often associated with the Aesthetic movement of the late 19th century and the Symbolist movement that followed.
Early Life and Background
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Symons' early life in Wales was marked by a love for literature and poetry from an early age. His family encouraged his interest, and he began writing at a young age. He attended the University College School in London but left without completing his studies to pursue his passion for literature.
Major Accomplishments
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Symons is notable for his pioneering work as a critic and poet of Symbolism. His anthology "The Symbolist Movement in Literature" (1899) helped spread awareness about this emerging literary movement across the English-speaking world. He was also one of the founders of the London Poetry Society.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Symons' notable works include:
Poetry collections: "Silences" (1877), "Dust" (1890), and "A Miracle" (1901)
Plays: "Pompilia" (1898) and "The King's Tragedy" (1914)
Criticism and essays: "The Symbolist Movement in Literature", "Studies in Blue and Gold" (1906), and "Sketches in Verse" (1922)
Symons was also known for his translations, particularly of works by French poets like Verlaine.
Impact and Legacy
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Symons' contributions to the literary world can be seen through several aspects:
Symbolism: He helped introduce Symbolist ideas into English literature, influencing a new generation of writers.
Poetic style: His own poetry often explored themes of nature, beauty, and the human condition, reflecting the trends of his time.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Symons is remembered for several reasons:
Pioneering work in Symbolism: He played a key role in introducing this movement to English-speaking audiences.
Influence on future writers: His writings and ideas inspired many notable poets, including W.B. Yeats and Ezra Pound.
Critical insights: Symons was known for his insightful reviews of contemporary literature, offering new perspectives and critiques.
Symons' legacy is also seen in the enduring relevance of his works to modern readers who appreciate Symbolist themes and poetic style.
Quotes by Arthur Symons
The making of one’s life into art is, after all, the first duty and privilege of every man.
Sweet, can I sing you the song of your kisses? How soft is this one, how subtle this is, How fluttering swift as a bird’s kiss that is, As a bird that taps at a leafy lattice; How this one clings and how that uncloses From bud to flower in the way of roses.
A realist, in Venice, would become a romantic by mere faithfulness to what he saw before him.
The clamours of spring are the same old delicate noises, The earth renews its magical youth at a breath.
As perfume doth remain In the folds where it hath lain, So the thought of you, remaining Deeply folded in my brain, Will not leave me: all things leave me: You remain.
The English mist is always at work like a subtle painter, and London is a vast canvas prepared for the mist to work on.
To have loved, to have been made happy thus, / What better fate has life in store for us?
Without charm there can be no fine literature, as there can be no perfect flower without fragrance.
Life is a dream in the night, a fear among fears, A naked runner lost in a storm of spears.
God, like all highest things, Hides light in shade, And in the night his visitings To sleep and dreams are clearliest made.