R. L. Stevenson and E. V. Lucas Essays

Introduction to R. L. Stevenson

Robert Louis Balfour Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, and travel writer. Though he is perhaps best known for his novels like 'Treasure Island' and 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', his essays hold a significant place in English literature, offering profound insights into human nature, society, and the art of living. His essays are characterized by their clarity, wit, and a deeply personal yet universal appeal. Stevenson’s prose is elegant and often lyrical, making even complex ideas accessible and engaging.

Stevenson’s work often reflects his own life experiences, including his struggles with health (tuberculosis) which led him to travel extensively in search of better climates. This peripatetic lifestyle infused his writings with a unique perspective on different cultures and the constant human search for belonging and well-being. His essays frequently explore themes of travel, adventure, the burden of responsibility, and the importance of maintaining a childlike wonder and curiosity in the face of adult life.

Key Themes in Stevenson's Essays

Stevenson’s essays delve into a variety of themes, often blending personal reflection with broader philosophical observations. Some of the recurring motifs include:

• The Art of Travel: Stevenson viewed travel not merely as a physical journey but as a state of mind, a way to expand one's horizons and understand oneself better. He famously contrasted the joy of anticipation and the journey itself with the often-disappointing reality of the destination.
• Childhood and Play: He had a deep appreciation for the imaginative world of children and the importance of preserving a sense of playfulness throughout life. He saw childhood as a time of genuine experience, unburdened by the conventions and anxieties of adulthood.
• Work and Leisure: Stevenson often pondered the balance between diligent work and the restorative power of leisure. He advocated for finding joy and meaning in both, suggesting that a life solely dedicated to one or the other is incomplete.
• Morality and Human Conduct: His essays often touch upon ethical dilemmas and the complexities of human behavior, exploring the thin line between good and evil, duty and desire.
• The Pursuit of Happiness: Stevenson was a keen observer of what makes people happy, often concluding that simple pleasures, meaningful work, and strong relationships are key, rather than grand achievements or material wealth.

Notable Essays by R. L. Stevenson

Several of Stevenson’s essays are considered classics of the genre. Among the most frequently studied are:

• "An Apology for Idlers": In this essay, Stevenson defends those who are perceived as idle, arguing that true idleness is often a space for creativity, reflection, and genuine living, contrasting it with a life of ceaseless, often unproductive, activity. He suggests that "the true happiness in this world is to enjoy the present moment and to be happy and to be happy in that moment."
• "The Art of Putting Things Off": This essay humorously explores the human tendency towards procrastination. Stevenson, an admitted procrastinator himself, presents it not just as a vice but sometimes as a necessary tool for efficiency, allowing one to focus on what is truly important by delaying the less urgent.
• "A Plea for a Simple Life": Here, Stevenson critiques the complexities and stresses of modern life, advocating for a return to simpler routines, fewer possessions, and more meaningful human connections as the path to genuine contentment.
• "On the Enjoyment of Sick-Room": Drawing from his own experiences with chronic illness, Stevenson writes with remarkable grace and insight about finding moments of joy, peace, and intellectual engagement even in the confines of a sickbed.

Literary Style of R. L. Stevenson

Stevenson's prose is renowned for its musicality and precision. He was a master craftsman of language, employing vivid imagery and carefully chosen words to create a distinct mood and tone. His sentences are often balanced and rhythmic, reflecting a deep understanding of classical rhetoric. This stylistic elegance, combined with his thoughtful exploration of universal themes, makes his essays enduringly popular.

He often employed irony and a gentle, self-deprecating humor, which made his essays relatable and charming. His ability to weave personal anecdotes into broader philosophical discussions provided a framework for readers to reflect on their own lives and experiences. This blend of the personal and the philosophical is a hallmark of his essayistic style.

Introduction to E. V. Lucas

Edward Verrall Lucas (1868-1938) was an English writer, journalist, and collector, known for his charming and observant essays, biographies, and collections of verse. He was a prolific writer who contributed significantly to English literature in the early twentieth century. Lucas’s essays, much like Stevenson’s, are characterized by their gentle humor, keen observation of everyday life, and a warm, conversational tone. He had a particular talent for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, making the mundane aspects of life seem delightful and worthy of contemplation.

Lucas was also an editor and anthologist, responsible for popularizing many poets and writers. His own essays often reflect a deep appreciation for literature, art, and the simple pleasures of life. He possessed a unique ability to capture the essence of a moment or a personality with a few well-chosen words, creating vivid portraits that resonated with his readers. His work often evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler, perhaps more genteel, era.

Key Themes in E. V. Lucas's Essays

E. V. Lucas’s essays are a treasure trove of observations on the human condition, often delivered with a light touch and a knowing smile. His primary thematic concerns include:

• Everyday Life and Observations: Lucas found endless fascination in the small details of daily existence – a walk in the park, a conversation overheard, a peculiar habit of a friend, the changing seasons. He elevated these commonplace occurrences into subjects of delightful reflection.
• The Joys of Collecting: As a collector himself, Lucas wrote with enthusiasm about the pursuit of various objects, from rare books and prints to seemingly insignificant trinkets. He saw collecting as a way of engaging with history, art, and personal passion.
• Literature and Art Appreciation: His essays frequently touch upon his love for books, authors, painters, and their works. He often shared personal anecdotes related to literary figures or artistic experiences, making his appreciation feel intimate and accessible.
• Travel and Places: Lucas wrote engagingly about his travels, both in England and abroad. He focused less on grand adventures and more on the unique character of places and the people he encountered.
• Friendship and Human Connection: The value of companionship and the nuances of social interaction are often explored in his writings, portrayed with warmth and understated wit.

Notable Essays by E. V. Lucas

Lucas’s prolific output includes many essays that have become beloved examples of the genre. Some of his most recognized works include:

• "The Art of Conversation": In this essay, Lucas gently probes the nature of good conversation, highlighting the importance of listening, empathy, and a shared enjoyment of discourse. He contrasts lively, engaging talk with polite but dull exchanges.
• "The Slow Train": This essay celebrates the leisurely pace of travel by slow train, contrasting it with the hurriedness of modern life. Lucas finds pleasure in the journey itself, observing the passing landscape and the fellow passengers, seeing it as an opportunity for reflection and appreciation.
• "The Old School": Lucas often wrote with fondness about his school days and the enduring impact of education and friendships formed in youth. This essay reflects on the memories and lessons that linger from one’s formative years.
• "A Character Note": Lucas excelled at creating brief, vivid sketches of people he knew or observed. These essays often capture a person’s essence through a series of small, telling details, imbued with affection and gentle humor.

Literary Style of E. V. Lucas

E. V. Lucas’s writing style is often described as ‘urbane’ and ‘accomplished’. He wrote with a clarity and grace that made his essays a pleasure to read. His prose is characterized by its:

• Wit and Humor: Lucas possessed a subtle, often understated, sense of humor that permeated his writing. He could find amusement in the slightest of situations without resorting to harshness or cynicism.
• Observational Acuity: His keen eye for detail allowed him to capture the nuances of human behavior and the character of places with remarkable accuracy and charm.
• Conversational Tone: Lucas wrote as if he were speaking directly to a friend, creating an intimate and engaging reading experience. This approachable style invited readers to share in his reflections and discoveries.
• Appreciation for Simplicity: His essays often championed the value of simple pleasures and the beauty found in everyday life, encouraging readers to slow down and appreciate their surroundings.

Comparison and Contrast: Stevenson and Lucas

While both R. L. Stevenson and E. V. Lucas were masters of the essay form, their approaches and thematic focuses show interesting parallels and divergences. Both writers shared a deep appreciation for the art of writing itself, a keen observational skill, and a gentle, often humorous, tone.

Similarities:

• Personal Voice: Both employed a distinct personal voice, making their essays feel like intimate conversations with the reader.
• Observation of Life: Both were keen observers of human nature and the world around them, finding profound meaning in everyday experiences.
• Appreciation for Leisure and Simple Pleasures: Both writers valued moments of repose, reflection, and the enjoyment of life's simple gifts, often contrasting these with the pressures of modern society.
• Elegant Prose: Both possessed a refined command of the English language, crafting prose that was clear, elegant, and engaging.
• Humor: Both utilized humor, though Stevenson's could sometimes be more philosophical or ironic, while Lucas's was often more gentle and observational.

Differences:

• Focus: Stevenson often delved into deeper philosophical questions about morality, existence, and the human condition, sometimes drawing on his own struggles with health and identity. Lucas, while thoughtful, tended to focus more on the lighter, more whimsical aspects of life, social interactions, and cultural appreciation.
• Tone: Stevenson's essays could carry a weightier, more serious undertone, even when humorous, reflecting his personal battles and broader intellectual concerns. Lucas's essays are almost universally characterized by their lightheartedness, warmth, and gentle charm.
• Scope: Stevenson’s essays sometimes explored grander themes of adventure, morality, and the existential, often inspired by his travels and his adventurous spirit. Lucas’s scope was typically more domestic and focused on the immediate social and cultural milieu.
• Literary Context: Stevenson wrote in the late Victorian era, often grappling with the moral and social anxieties of his time. Lucas wrote primarily in the Edwardian and early Georgian periods, a time that often favored a more relaxed and less overtly didactic style.

Significance in Twentieth Century Literature

The essays of R. L. Stevenson and E. V. Lucas represent a significant contribution to the essay tradition in English literature. In an era increasingly dominated by novels and poetry, their thoughtful and engaging prose offered readers a different kind of literary experience—one that was personal, reflective, and grounded in the appreciation of life's nuances.

Stevenson, bridging the late Victorian and early Modernist periods, brought a unique blend of romantic sensibility and realistic observation to his essays. His exploration of themes like idleness, travel, and the pursuit of happiness resonated with a generation facing rapid social and industrial change. His work influenced many subsequent writers who sought to combine personal reflection with intellectual depth.

E. V. Lucas, firmly rooted in the Edwardian and interwar periods, perfected the art of the light essay. His ability to find charm and wisdom in the everyday provided a comforting and engaging read for a wide audience. He demonstrated that profound insights could be delivered with a smile, and that the seemingly trivial aspects of life were rich with meaning. His collections and anthologies also played a crucial role in preserving and popularizing literary works, solidifying his legacy as a curator of culture.

Together, their works showcase the enduring power of the essay as a form capable of both profound philosophical inquiry and delightful personal reflection. They remind us that literature can be found not only in grand narratives but also in the quiet observation of life and the careful crafting of words.