Malcolm Lowry

The White Cottage, Ripe

Malcolm Lowry's gravestone

Malcolm Lowry (28 July 1909 – 26 June 1957) was a British novelist and poet best known for his novel Under the Volcano, which is widely hailed as a masterpiece of 20th-century literature. Lowry's work is known for its intricate narrative techniques, complex symbolism, and exploration of themes such as existential despair, alcoholism, and the human condition.

Early Life

Malcolm Lowry was born in New Brighton, Merseyside, England, to a well-to-do family. He attended The Leys School in Cambridge and later St Catharine's College, Cambridge, where he studied English. Lowry's time at Cambridge was marked by the beginning of his struggles with alcoholism, a theme that would deeply permeate his later work.

Literary Career

Lowry's literary career began with the publication of his first novel, Ultramarine (1933), which received mixed reviews. However, it was his second novel, Under the Volcano (1947), that established his reputation as a significant literary figure. The novel is set on the Day of the Dead in Mexico and follows the last day in the life of a disgraced British consul, exploring themes of despair, failed aspirations, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

Despite the success of Under the Volcano, Lowry's career was plagued by personal issues, including his ongoing battle with alcoholism and frequent bouts of depression. He continued to write, producing several other works, including short stories, poetry, and the posthumously published novel October Ferry to Gabriola.

Themes and Style

Lowry's work is characterized by its dense, symbolic prose and its exploration of themes such as alienation, redemption, and the effects of modernity on the human psyche. His writing often drew upon his own experiences, particularly his struggles with addiction and his complex relationship with his own sense of identity and purpose.

Legacy

Malcolm Lowry died in Ripe, Sussex, England, under mysterious circumstances that have been attributed to alcohol poisoning. Despite his relatively small body of work, Lowry's influence on later writers and his contribution to the modernist literary movement have been significant. Under the Volcano remains his most celebrated work, frequently appearing on lists of the greatest novels of the 20th century.

Selected Works

• Ultramarine (1933)
• Under the Volcano (1947)
• October Ferry to Gabriola (posthumous)

See Also

• Modernist literature
• Existential literature
• British literature