Violet Trefusis
Violet Trefusis: A Life of Passion and Devotion
Full Name and Common Aliases
Violet Keppel Trefusis was a British socialite, writer, and poet, commonly known as "Violette" to her friends and family.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 25, 1894, in London, England, Violet lived a life marked by both creative expression and personal turmoil. She passed away on August 28, 1972, at the age of 77.
Nationality and Profession(s)
As a member of the British aristocracy, Violet's nationality was tied to her birthright. Her professional pursuits spanned multiple fields: writer, poet, socialite, and philanthropist.
Early Life and Background
Violet grew up in an affluent family within London's high society circles. As the daughter of George Keppel, 8th Earl of Albemarle, Violet was exposed to the finer aspects of life from a young age. Her early years were marked by privilege, luxury, and social expectations that would shape her later life.
Major Accomplishments
Violet's most significant accomplishment lies in her literary pursuits. She published several collections of poetry, including "The Garden Party" (1927) and "A Wayfaring Stranger" (1930). Her writing often explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition. Violet also made a name for herself as an accomplished pianist, performing at various social gatherings and charity events.
Notable Works or Actions
One of Violet's most enduring works is her novel "Prelude to Paradise," co-authored with Virginia Woolf in 1928. This romantic drama explores themes of love, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions. Violet's personal life was often intertwined with her art; she drew heavily from her own experiences when crafting her writing.
Impact and Legacy
Violet Trefusis left an indelible mark on British literary circles during the early 20th century. Her works continue to be celebrated for their beauty, introspection, and emotional depth. As a pioneering female writer, Violet paved the way for future generations of women in literature. Her personal struggles with identity, love, and societal expectations have made her a relatable figure across time.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Violet's writing continues to captivate readers due to its timeless exploration of human emotions and experiences. Her personal story – marked by both artistic triumphs and private heartaches – has become an integral part of literary history. As a testament to her enduring impact, Violet Trefusis remains widely quoted and remembered for her innovative spirit, creative expression, and dedication to the arts.
Throughout this biography, it is clear that Violet's life was one of contrasts: born into privilege, yet struggling with identity; celebrated as an artist, yet haunted by personal turmoil. As a result, her legacy serves as a poignant reminder of both the power of art to transcend adversity and the enduring importance of exploring the complexities of human experience.
Quotes by Violet Trefusis

Across my life only one word will be written: “waste” – waste of life, waste of talent, waste of enterprise.

Do you think that love has to be requited to be genuine? On the contrary, it thrives on indifference.

The same word passed through three minds, simultaneously, philosophical, fatalistic, the eternal refuge of the Italian: Pazienza...

Be wicked, be brave, be drunk, be reckless, be dissolute, be despotic, be a suffragette, be anything you like, but for pity’s sake be it to the top of your bent.

You are my lover and I am your mistress and kingdoms and empires and governments have tottered and succumbed before now to that mighty combination.

Across my life only one word will be written: "waste" - waste of life, waste of talent, waste of enterprise.

Across my life only one work will be written: "waste" _ waste of love, waste of talent, waste of enterprise.

...How I adore you and want you. You can't know how much...I love belonging to you-- I glory in it, that you alone have bent me to your will, shattered my self-possession, robbed me of my mystery, and made me yours, so that away from you I am nothing but a useless puppet, an empty husk.

