Shirley Hazzard
Shirley Hazzard: A Life of Literary Excellence
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Shirley Vivian Temple Hazzard was a New Zealand-born Australian novelist, essayist, and short story writer. Her work has been widely acclaimed for its poetic prose, nuanced characterization, and astute observations on human relationships.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on January 30, 1931, in Sydney, Australia (her family had moved there from Auckland, New Zealand), Hazzard spent her formative years in New Zealand. She passed away on December 12, 2016, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire readers worldwide.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Hazzard held dual citizenships of New Zealand and Australia. Throughout her life, she was recognized as a distinguished writer in both countries. Her profession as an author spanned multiple genres, including novels, short stories, essays, and non-fiction works.
Early Life
Growing up in Auckland, Hazzard's family played a significant role in shaping her early years. Her parents, Temple and Kathleen, were both educators who instilled in their daughter a love for reading and writing. This nurturing environment allowed Hazzard to develop a rich inner life, which later found expression in her writing.
Hazzard's experiences during World War II had a profound impact on her formative years. As an evacuee from Auckland to Sydney, she faced displacement and uncertainty. These early challenges laid the groundwork for her future exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, and the human condition.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout her long and distinguished career, Hazzard received numerous accolades for her work. Some notable achievements include:
The Transit of Venus (1980) and The Great Fire (1987), both of which won the Miles Franklin Award
The Bay of Spirits (1961), a novel that marked the beginning of her career as a published author
People in Glass Houses (1963) and Time's Patent (1974), essays that showcased her incisive observations on human relationshipsNotable Works or Actions
Hazzard's writing often explored themes such as identity, belonging, love, and the complexities of human connections. Her most celebrated works include:
The Transit of Venus, a poignant exploration of family dynamics and the search for identity
The Great Fire, which chronicles the lives of three women connected to a New Zealand town during World War II
Time's Patent, an essay that examines the nuances of human relationships through personal anecdotes and historical references
Impact and Legacy
Shirley Hazzard's work has had a lasting impact on literature. Her writing continues to captivate readers with its nuanced characterization, poetic prose, and thought-provoking themes. Her influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary authors who have been inspired by her unique voice and perspective.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Hazzard's quotes are often cited for their insight into human relationships and experiences. Her writing offers a profound understanding of love, loss, and identity, making it a valuable resource for readers seeking to understand themselves and others better.
In conclusion, Shirley Hazzard was a remarkable writer whose contributions to literature continue to inspire new generations. Through her work, she has given us a deeper understanding of the complexities of human relationships and the power of love and connection to transcend time and circumstance.
Quotes by Shirley Hazzard
That alas is the way it goes”; “Something we must rectify.” Paul, not Caro, would interpret the degree of meaning in their respective lots. That had been decided, as he sat speaking intimately of his life to the person most excluded from it – in order to readmit her to the intimacy, though not the life.
He had seen how people came a cropper by giving way to impulse. It was to his judiciousness, at every turn, that he owed the fact that nothing terrible had ever happened to him.
I have a superstition that if I talk about plot, it’s like letting sand out of a hole in the bottom of a bag.
Her eyes were enlarged and faded with discovering what, by common human agreement, is better undivulged.
When people say of their tragedies, ‘I don’t often think of it now,’ what they mean is it has entered permanently into their thoughts, and colors everything.
Occasion revived an illusion of discovery, as if one woke in a strange room to wonder afresh not only where but who one was; to shed assumptions, even certainties.
And the thread of her happiness was no stronger than the clasp of her fingers on his coat, no longer than this last mile of their journey.
Men go through life telling themselves a moment must come when they will show what they’re made of. And the moment comes, and they do show. And they spend the rest of their days explaining that was neither the moment nor the true self.
I have never suffered greatly... If you can reach fifty without a catastrophe, you’ve won. You’ve got away with it.