Patrick White
Patrick White: A Life of Literary Genius
Full Name and Common Aliases
Patrick Victor Martensz White was a celebrated Australian novelist and playwright, commonly known as P.V. Martensz in his early years.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 17, 1912, in London, England, Patrick White passed away on September 1, 1990, at the age of 78, in Sydney, Australia.
Nationality and Profession(s)
White was a British-born Australian novelist and playwright, widely regarded as one of the most important writers to have emerged from the Commonwealth. He is best known for his novels, which often explored themes of existentialism, spirituality, and the human condition.
Early Life and Background
Patrick White's early life was marked by a sense of displacement and restlessness. Born in London, he spent much of his childhood moving between England and Australia, where his family eventually settled. His father, George Joseph White, was a merchant who struggled to make ends meet, which led to frequent changes in residence. This nomadic existence had a profound impact on Patrick's writing style, which often reflected his sense of disconnection and search for meaning.
Major Accomplishments
White's literary career spanned over five decades, during which he produced an impressive body of work that earned him numerous accolades. Some of his most notable achievements include:
Winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1973, becoming the first Australian to receive this honor
Being awarded the Order of Australia (AO) in 1985 for his services to literature
Publishing over 30 novels and several volumes of short stories, plays, and essaysNotable Works or Actions
Some of Patrick White's most notable works include:
Voss (1955), a novel that explores the theme of existentialism through the story of a German explorer who travels to Australia in search of his lost love
Riders in the Chariot (1961), a novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world
The Eye of the Storm (1973), a novel that explores the theme of family dynamics and the struggle for identity
Impact and Legacy
Patrick White's impact on Australian literature is immeasurable. He helped to establish his country as a major literary force, paving the way for future generations of writers. His work continues to be widely read and studied around the world, offering insights into the human condition that are both profound and universal.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Patrick White's quotes and writings continue to inspire and provoke readers today. His willingness to explore complex themes and ideas has made him a beloved figure in literary circles. He is widely remembered for his:
Innovative style: White's writing was known for its lyricism, depth, and complexity, which challenged traditional notions of storytelling.
Existentialist leanings: His work often explored the human condition, questioning the meaning and purpose of life.
* Spiritual themes: Many of his novels and plays grappled with spiritual concepts, such as the nature of God and the afterlife.
Overall, Patrick White's legacy is one of profound literary achievement. His impact on Australian literature has been lasting, and his work continues to inspire readers around the world.
Quotes by Patrick White
Human behavior is a series of lunges, of which, it is sometimes sensed, the direction is inevitable.
As it is I’m a dated novelist, whom hardly anybody reads, or if they do, most of them don’t understand what I am on about. Certainly I wish I had never written Voss, which is going to be everybody’s albatross.
The worst thing about love between human beings is that when you are prepared to love them they don’t want it; when they do its you who can’t bear the idea.
Two people do not lose themselves at the identical moment, or else they might find each other, and be saved. It is not as simple as that.
There are moments when the eyes flow into each other. Then the souls are wrapped around each other across a distance.
It was Sunday, and Mumma had gone next door with Lena and the little ones. Under the pepper tree in the yard Pa was sorting, counting, the empty bottles he would sell back: the bottles going clink clink as Pa stuck them in the sack. The fowls were fluffing in the dust and sun: that crook-neck white pullet Mumma said she would hit on the head if only she had the courage to; but she hadn’t.
In general,′ Voss replied, ’it is necessary to communicate without knowledge of the language.
They walked on rather aimlessly. He hoped she wouldn’t notice he was touched, because he wouldn’t have known how to explain why. Here lay the great discrepancy between aesthetic truth and sleazy reality.