Who was Ernest Dowson and what was his primary literary contribution?

Ernest Dowson was an English writer, active as a poet, novelist, and short-story writer. He is most recognized for his contributions to the Decadent movement, leaving a notable impact on English literature during the fin-de-siècle period with his poetry.

What role did Aubrey Beardsley and Arthur Symons play in the posthumous recognition of Ernest Dowson's work?

Following Ernest Dowson's death, his collected poetry was published with illustrations by the artist Aubrey Beardsley. The collection also featured an introduction written by the poet Arthur Symons, which helped to further introduce Dowson's work to a wider literary audience.

Where and when was Ernest Dowson born?

Ernest Dowson was born in Lee, Kent, England, on August 2, 1867.

Who was Alfred Domett, and what was his relation to Ernest Dowson?

Alfred Domett was the great-uncle of Ernest Dowson and had served as a Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Did Ernest Dowson complete his studies at Oxford University?

No, Ernest Dowson attended The Queen's College, Oxford, but he left in March 1888 without obtaining an academic degree.

What business was Ernest Dowson involved with in Limehouse, East London?

In November 1888, Ernest Dowson began working in his father's dry-docking business, Dowson & Son, located in Limehouse, East London.

What significant personal and religious milestones occurred for Ernest Dowson in the early 1890s?

In 1891, Ernest Dowson underwent a significant personal change when he converted to Roman Catholicism. Shortly thereafter, in 1893, he proposed marriage to Adelaide Foltinowicz, the daughter of a Polish restaurant owner, though she ultimately rejected his proposal.

What was the fate of Adelaide Foltinowicz after rejecting Ernest Dowson's proposal?

Adelaide Foltinowicz, who rejected Ernest Dowson's proposal, later married a tailor.

What literary groups and publications was Ernest Dowson associated with during his career?

Ernest Dowson was a member of the Rhymers' Club and contributed his writings to literary magazines such as The Yellow Book and The Savoy.

What was the nature of Dowson's literary collaborations with Arthur Moore?

Ernest Dowson collaborated with Arthur Moore on two novels that were not commercially successful. He also worked on a novel of his own, titled Madame de Viole.

What types of French literature did Ernest Dowson translate, and which authors were among them?

Ernest Dowson engaged in translating French literature, focusing on novels by prominent authors such as Honoré de Balzac and the Goncourt brothers. He also translated the notable epistolary novel Les Liaisons dangereuses by Choderlos de Laclos.

What tragic events befell Ernest Dowson's parents, and how did they impact him?

Ernest Dowson's father died in August 1894 from a Chlorodyne overdose, and his mother, who also suffered from tuberculosis, died by suicide in February 1895. Soon after his mother's death, Dowson's own health began to decline rapidly.

How did Leonard Smithers provide financial support to Ernest Dowson?

Leonard Smithers provided Ernest Dowson with a regular allowance, enabling him to live in France and undertake translation work for Smithers.

Where did Ernest Dowson spend the final weeks of his life?

Ernest Dowson spent his last six weeks in Catford, Kent, England, residing at the cottage of Robert Sherard, after being found in a state of near destitution in a wine bar.

When and at what age did Ernest Dowson die?

Ernest Dowson died on February 23, 1900, at the young age of 32, in Catford, Kent, England.

Where is Ernest Dowson buried?

Ernest Dowson was interred in Lewisham Cemetery, which has since been renamed Ladywell Cemetery. This cemetery is now part of the present-day Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries located in London.

What are three famous phrases derived from Ernest Dowson's poems?

Three well-known phrases from Ernest Dowson's poems are "Days of wine and roses" from Vitae Summa Brevis, and "Gone with the wind" and "I have been faithful ... in my fashion" from Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae.

How did the phrase "Days of wine and roses" gain prominence beyond its origin in Dowson's poetry?

The phrase "Days of wine and roses," originating from Ernest Dowson's poem "Vitae Summa Brevis," achieved broader recognition when it was used as the title for a 1958 television play and subsequently a film adaptation. It also inspired a song of the same name, further embedding the phrase in popular culture.

What specific line from Ernest Dowson's poem "Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae" inspired the title of Margaret Mitchell's famous novel?

Margaret Mitchell chose the line "Gone with the wind" from the third stanza of Ernest Dowson's poem "Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae" as the title for her iconic novel, finding its sound evocative and fitting for her story.

What is the meaning of the Latin phrase "Vitae summa brevis"?

The Latin phrase "Vitae summa brevis," which is the title of one of Dowson's poems, translates to "Life's short sum." It is a quotation taken from the Odes of the Roman poet Horace, specifically from Book I, Ode 4.

What is the meaning of the Latin phrase "Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae"?

The Latin phrase "Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae," which inspired the title of one of Dowson's most famous poems, translates to "I am not what I was, under the reign of the good Cynara." This phrase is also a quotation from the Odes of Horace, found in Book IV, Ode 1.

What is the significance of the phrase "I have been faithful ... in my fashion" in relation to Dowson's work?

The phrase "I have been faithful ... in my fashion" is directly taken from the third stanza of Ernest Dowson's poem "Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae." This line has been referenced in various cultural works, including film titles and song lyrics.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, what is the significance of Ernest Dowson's correspondence regarding the word "soccer"?

The Oxford English Dictionary cites Ernest Dowson's written correspondence as the earliest recorded instance of the word "soccer" appearing in print. Specifically, he used the spelling "socca" in a letter dated February 21, 1889.

What are some of Ernest Dowson's notable prose works mentioned in the article?

Ernest Dowson's prose works include the collection of short stories titled *Dilemmas, Stories and Studies in Sentiment*, published in 1895. He also co-authored two novels, *A Comedy of Masks* (1893) and *Adrian Rome* (1899), with Arthur Moore.

What was the title of Ernest Dowson's first published novel, and who was his co-author?

Ernest Dowson's first published novel was *A Comedy of Masks*, which he co-wrote with Arthur Moore in 1893.

In what year were Ernest Dowson's short stories collected and published under the title *Dilemmas*?

Ernest Dowson's short stories were collected and published under the title *Dilemmas, Stories and Studies in Sentiment* in 1895.

Which of Dowson's works, a collection of verse, was published posthumously in 1907?

*Cynara: A Little Book of Verse* was published posthumously in 1907, several years after Dowson's death.

What is the title of the 1919 publication that includes Dowson's poems and prose, along with a memoir by Arthur Symons?

The 1919 publication *The Poems and Prose of Ernest Dowson, with a Memoir by Arthur Symons* contains his collected works and a memoir written by Arthur Symons.

When were Ernest Dowson's letters published as a collected volume?

Ernest Dowson's letters were compiled and published in a collected volume in 1968.

What was Oscar Wilde's sentiment regarding Ernest Dowson's passing, as expressed in a letter to Leonard Smithers?

In a letter to Leonard Smithers, Oscar Wilde expressed deep sympathy for Ernest Dowson, describing him as a "poor wounded wonderful fellow" and a "tragic reproduction of all tragic poetry." Wilde hoped Dowson would be remembered with symbolic tributes, acknowledging that Dowson understood the nature of love.

How did Arthur Moore's novels feature Ernest Dowson as inspiration?

Arthur Moore based the character Anthony "Tony" Wilder in his comic novels on Ernest Dowson, with Paul Morrow being based on Moore himself. E. Nesbit even mentioned Moore's novel *The Eyes of Light*, featuring these characters, in her own work, *The Phoenix and the Carpet*.

How did Arthur Symons characterize Ernest Dowson's poetic abilities in his memoir?

Arthur Symons, in his memoir, lauded Ernest Dowson as a man possessing undeniable genius, particularly highlighting his natural and effortless command of verse. Symons described Dowson as having the "pure lyric gift," unburdened by other intellectual or emotional complexities.

Which composer set several of Dowson's poems to music in works like *Songs of Sunset* and *Cynara*?

The composer Frederick Delius set several of Dowson's poems to music, incorporating them into his significant works *Songs of Sunset* and *Cynara*.

How did composer John Ireland incorporate Dowson's poetry into his musical works?

John Ireland set Dowson's poem "I Was Not Sorrowful (Spleen)," which appeared in the collection *Verses* (1896), into his 1912 song cycle titled *Songs of a Wayfarer*.

In which major work does T. E. Lawrence quote from Dowson's poem "Impenitentia Ultima"?

T. E. Lawrence quotes from Dowson's poem "Impenitentia Ultima" in his renowned autobiographical work *Seven Pillars of Wisdom*, specifically within Chapter 54.

How did Eugene O'Neill reference Dowson's poetry in his play *Long Day's Journey into Night*?

Eugene O'Neill incorporated quotations from both "Vitae Summa Brevis" and "Cynarae" into his 1941 play *Long Day's Journey into Night*, weaving Dowson's lines into the dramatic narrative.

In which classic film noir is Ernest Dowson's poem "Vitae Summa Brevis" recited, and by whom?

Ernest Dowson's poem "Vitae Summa Brevis," also known by its famous line "Days of Wine and Roses," is recited by the character Waldo Lydecker in the acclaimed 1944 Otto Preminger-directed film noir, *Laura*.

What efforts were made in 2010 to honor Ernest Dowson's legacy and grave?

In anticipation of the 110th anniversary of his birth, Ernest Dowson's grave, which had fallen into disrepair and been vandalized, was restored. A public unveiling and memorial service were held, garnering attention from media outlets like BBC Radio 4 and the Times Literary Supplement, with dozens attending to pay tribute.

How does Jack London reference Ernest Dowson's work in his novel *The Sea-Wolf*?

Jack London includes a quote from Ernest Dowson's poem "Impenitentia Ultima" in Chapter XXVI of his novel *The Sea-Wolf*.

Which contemporary band referenced Dowson's poem "Dregs" in a 2024 song?

The band The Cure referenced Ernest Dowson's poem "Dregs" in their 2024 song "Alone," which is featured on their album "Songs of a Lost World."

What is the classical origin of the phrase "Vitae summa brevis"?

The phrase "Vitae summa brevis" originates from the Odes of the Roman poet Horace, specifically found in Book I, Ode 4.

What is the classical origin of the phrase "Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae"?

The phrase "Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae" is a quotation from the Odes of the Roman poet Horace, appearing in Book IV, Ode 1.

What context does the Oxford English Dictionary provide regarding Dowson's earliest use of the word "soccer"?

The Oxford English Dictionary identifies Ernest Dowson's written correspondence as containing the earliest recorded use of the word "soccer." He used the spelling "socca" in a letter dated February 21, 1889.

What literary resources related to Ernest Dowson are available through Wikimedia projects?

Wikimedia projects offer several resources for Ernest Dowson: Wikiquote hosts quotations attributed to him, Wikisource provides access to his original texts, and Wikimedia Commons features media related to him.

Which major online archives provide access to the works of Ernest Dowson?

Ernest Dowson's literary works are accessible through digital archives such as Project Gutenberg, the Internet Archive, and LibriVox, which offers public domain audiobooks.

What is the purpose of the "Authority control" section typically found at the end of biographical articles like this one?

The "Authority control" section provides standardized identifiers from various global and national databases, such as ISNI, VIAF, and GND. These identifiers uniquely identify Ernest Dowson, linking to comprehensive catalog records and ensuring consistency across different library and archival systems, thereby aiding in research.

What was the nature of Ernest Dowson's involvement with the literary magazine *The Yellow Book*?

Ernest Dowson was a contributor to the literary magazine *The Yellow Book*, publishing his work alongside other notable writers of the period.

What is the title of the dramatic fantasy play written by Ernest Dowson in 1897?

Ernest Dowson wrote a dramatic fantasy play titled *The Pierrot of the Minute*, which was published in 1897.

Which composer set Dowson's poem "I Was Not Sorrowful (Spleen)" to music?

John Ireland set Ernest Dowson's poem "I Was Not Sorrowful (Spleen)" to music in his 1912 song cycle *Songs of a Wayfarer*.

Ernest Dowson Wiki: Ernest Dowson: The Poet of Ephemeral Beauty

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Biography

Early Life and Education

Ernest Christopher Dowson was born in Lee, Kent, England, on August 2, 1867. His lineage included notable figures, such as his great-uncle Alfred Domett, who served as Prime Minister of New Zealand. Dowson attended The Queen's College, Oxford, but departed in March 1888 without completing his degree. Subsequently, he joined his father's dry-docking business in Limehouse, East London, leading an active social life that included frequenting music halls and engaging with artistic circles.

Artistic Milieu and Personal Turmoil

Dowson became a significant contributor to the literary scene of the English fin de siècle, aligning himself with the Decadent movement. He was an active member of the Rhymers' Club and published in influential periodicals like The Yellow Book and The Savoy. His personal life was marked by tragedy: the deaths of both his parents from tuberculosis and suicide, respectively, profoundly impacted him. In 1893, he proposed to Adelaide Foltinowicz, who later rejected him. These events coincided with a decline in his health and financial stability.

Later Years and Passing

Seeking refuge and work, Dowson spent time in France, undertaking translation projects for publisher Leonard Smithers. Despite periods of hardship, including being found penniless in a wine bar, he maintained his literary pursuits. He returned to London and eventually settled in Catford, Kent, where he spent his final weeks under the care of Robert Sherard. Ernest Dowson died on February 23, 1900, at the age of 32, leaving behind a legacy of poignant verse.

Notable Works and Phrases

Poetic Contributions

Dowson is primarily celebrated for his poetry, characterized by its lyrical quality and exploration of themes such as beauty, love, loss, and the passage of time. His work is deeply embedded within the aesthetic sensibilities of the Decadent movement, often evoking a sense of melancholic beauty and refined sensuality.

Enduring Phrases

Several phrases from Dowson's poems have entered the cultural lexicon, demonstrating their lasting resonance:

"Days of wine and roses": From the poem "Vitae Summa Brevis," this phrase captures a sense of fleeting pleasure and the ephemeral nature of happiness. It inspired the title of a notable play and film.
"Gone with the wind": The evocative opening line of the third stanza of "Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae" inspired Margaret Mitchell's iconic novel title.
"I have been faithful... in my fashion": Also from "Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae," this line reflects a complex and perhaps unconventional approach to loyalty, resonating through various adaptations in music and film.

Prose and Drama

Beyond his poetry, Dowson also engaged in prose writing and drama. His notable prose works include the collection Dilemmas, Stories and Studies in Sentiment (1895). He co-authored two novels, A Comedy of Masks (1893) and Adrian Rome (1899), with Arthur Moore. His dramatic work, The Pierrot of the Minute, was published in 1897.

Selected Verses

They are not long, the days of wine and roses:
Out of a misty dream
Our path emerges for a while, then closes
Within a dream.

Ernest Dowson, from "Vitae Summa Brevis" (1896).

I have forgot much, Cynara! gone with the wind,
Flung roses, roses riotously with the throng,
Dancing, to put thy pale, lost lilies out of mind;
But I was desolate and sick of an old passion,
Yea, all the time, because the dance was long:
I have been faithful to thee, Cynara! in my fashion.

Ernest Dowson, from "Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae", third stanza (1894).

Enduring Influence

Critical Acclaim

Arthur Symons, a contemporary poet and critic, described Dowson as "a man who was undoubtedly a man of genius... There never was a poet to whom verse came more naturally. ... He had the pure lyric gift, unweighed or unballasted by any other quality of mind or emotion." This sentiment highlights Dowson's mastery of form and his distinct lyrical voice.

Musical and Literary Adaptations

Dowson's poetry has inspired numerous artists. Composers like Frederick Delius and John Ireland set his verses to music. His phrases have been referenced by prominent figures such as T. E. Lawrence and Eugene O'Neill in their literary works. The enduring impact of his lines is evident in their adoption across various artistic mediums, cementing his place in literary history.

Recognition and Restoration

Despite a life marked by hardship, Dowson's contribution was recognized. Oscar Wilde lamented his death, calling him "a tragic reproduction of all tragic poetry." In recent times, efforts have been made to preserve his legacy, including the restoration of his neglected grave in 2010, accompanied by public tributes and media attention, underscoring the continued appreciation for his work.

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References

Vitae summa brevis ("Life's short sum") is a quotation from Horace's Odes, Book I, 4.

Non sum qualis eram bonae sub regno Cynarae ("I am not what I was, under the reign of the good Cynara") is a quotation from Horace's Odes, Book IV, 1.

Ernest Christopher Dowson, ed., The Letters of Ernest Dowson, Epilogue, p. 421; retrieved 10 August 2013

A full list of references for this article are available at the Ernest Dowson Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes exclusively. The content is derived from publicly available data, specifically the Wikipedia article on Ernest Dowson, and may not represent the most current or exhaustive information available. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and clarity, the AI cannot guarantee the absolute completeness or timeliness of the data presented.

This is not professional literary or historical analysis. The information provided herein is not a substitute for scholarly research or consultation with literary experts. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources and academic analyses for in-depth study. The creators of this page assume no liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information contained within.

Ernest Dowson: The Poet of Ephemeral Beauty

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biography 👤

🖋️ Early Life and Education

✨ Artistic Milieu and Personal Turmoil

🇫🇷 Later Years and Passing

Notable Works and Phrases 📚

📜 Poetic Contributions

💬 Enduring Phrases

📖 Prose and Drama

Selected Verses 💭

Enduring Influence 🌟

🗣️ Critical Acclaim

🎶 Musical and Literary Adaptations

🏛️ Recognition and Restoration

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biography

Early Life and Education

Artistic Milieu and Personal Turmoil

Later Years and Passing

Notable Works and Phrases

Poetic Contributions

Enduring Phrases

Prose and Drama

Selected Verses

Enduring Influence

Critical Acclaim

Musical and Literary Adaptations

Recognition and Restoration

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice