William Plomer
William Plomer
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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William Robert George Spens Plomer was a poet, novelist, translator, and editor who went by the pen name William Plomer.
Birth and Death Dates
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Plomer was born on August 10, 1903, in Greytown, Natal (now KwaZulu-Natal), South Africa. He passed away on March 20, 1973, at the age of 69.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: South African
Profession(s): Poet, novelist, translator, editor
As a prominent figure in 20th-century literature, Plomer's work spanned various genres and formats. His contributions include poetry collections, novels, translations of classical works, and editorial roles.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in South Africa during the early 20th century had a profound impact on Plomer's life and writing. Born into an Anglo-Boer family, he was exposed to diverse cultures and environments from a young age. This unique upbringing would later influence his creative perspective and literary style.
In 1919, at the age of 16, Plomer moved to England with his mother, where he attended Trinity College in Cambridge. His experiences at university played a significant role in shaping his intellectual and artistic pursuits. During this period, he began writing poetry and honed his craft through various literary societies and publications.
Major Accomplishments
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Throughout his career, Plomer achieved numerous accolades for his work:
Translating classical literature: Plomer translated several notable works into English, including Ovid's _Ars Amatoria_ and _Medea_. His translations brought these ancient texts to a wider audience.
Publishing poetry collections: Some of his most celebrated poetry collections include _At Four Winds_ (1933) and _News of the Dead_ (1941). These works showcased Plomer's unique voice, exploring themes of love, mortality, and the human condition.
Novel writing: His novel _Turbott Wolfe_ (1952), a semi-autobiographical account of his childhood in South Africa, gained critical acclaim for its vivid portrayal of colonial life.Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Plomer's notable works include:
_At Four Winds_ (1933) – A collection of poetry exploring love and mortality.
_News of the Dead_ (1941) – A second collection that delves into similar themes, reflecting his experiences during World War II.
Translation of Ovid's _Ars Amatoria_ (1952)
Editorial contributions: Plomer served as an editor for several prominent publications, including _The London Magazine_. His role allowed him to shape the literary landscape and support emerging writers.Impact and Legacy
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Plomer's impact on 20th-century literature is undeniable. As a poet, novelist, translator, and editor, he influenced generations of writers through his diverse contributions:
Cultural exchange: By translating classical works and publishing original poetry, Plomer facilitated cultural exchange between the East and West.
Exploring identity: Through his semi-autobiographical novel _Turbott Wolfe_, Plomer shed light on the experiences of colonial subjects in South Africa, contributing to discussions about identity and belonging.
Literary criticism: As an editor and writer, he played a pivotal role in shaping literary tastes and promoting innovative writing styles.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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William Plomer's unique blend of cultural perspectives, intellectual curiosity, and creative talent has cemented his place as a respected figure in 20th-century literature. His contributions to translation, poetry, and novel-writing have not only expanded the literary canon but also inspired future generations of writers.
Plumer's legacy is a testament to the transformative power of art. Through his work, he continues to engage readers with his thought-provoking explorations of love, mortality, identity, and cultural exchange.
Quotes by William Plomer
It is the function of creative people to perceive relations between thoughts, or things, or forms of expressions that seem utterly different, and to be able to Connect the seemingly Unconnected”.
The commonplace needs no defence,Dullness is in the critic's eyes,Without a licence life evolvesFrom some dim phase its own surprise;Under these yellow-twinkling elms,Behind these hedges trimly shorn,As in a stable once, so hereIt may be born, it may be born.
To keep a diary is to attempt a difficult literary form. Its effectiveness is likely to derive from a special blend of honesty and appetite for life that gives the power to record everyday happenings while magically freeing them from banality and triviality.
Oh, the twenties and the thirties were not otherwise designedThan other times when blind men into ditches led the blind,When the rich mouse ate the cheese and the poor mouse got the rind,And man, the self-destroyer, was not lucid in his mind.
It is the function of creative men to perceive the relations between thoughts, or things, or forms of expression that may seem utterly different, and to be able to combine them into some new forms -- the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.
With first-rate sherry flowing into second-rate whores, And third-rate conversation without one single pause: Just like a young couple Between the wars.
With first-rate sherry flowing into second-rate whores,And third-rate conversation without one single pause:Just like a young coupleBetween the wars.