Robert Southey

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Robert Southey by Sir Francis Chantrey, 1832, National Portrait Gallery, London

Illustrirte Zeitung (1843) 06 016 2 Southey's Haus, Gretahof

Matilda Betham, Portrait of Edith May Southey, 1809

Matilda Betham, Portrait of Herbert Southey, 1809

Robert Southey by Vandyke

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Robert Southey (4702874)

Robert Southey (12 August 1774 – 21 March 1843) was an English poet of the Romantic movement, as well as a historian, biographer, and literary scholar. He was also a member of the Lake Poets, along with William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Southey's body of work includes epic poems, biographies, histories, and essays on literature, politics, and society.

Early Life

Robert Southey was born in Bristol, England, to a family of modest means. His early education was erratic, but he showed an early interest in literature. Southey was sent to Westminster School, but was expelled for writing an article in The Flagellant criticizing corporal punishment. He went on to study at Balliol College, Oxford University, where he met Coleridge, and they formed a close friendship. Together, they conceived the idea of a utopian community, the "Pantisocracy," though this project never materialized.

Literary Career

Southey's literary career began with the publication of his first collection of poetry in 1794. He was prolific, producing extensive volumes of poetry, including "Thalaba the Destroyer" (1801), "Madoc" (1805), and "The Curse of Kehama" (1810). These works are characterized by their use of exotic themes and locations, a reflection of Southey's interest in other cultures and his opposition to colonial exploitation.

In addition to poetry, Southey was a successful biographer and historian. His "Life of Nelson" (1813) remains one of his most celebrated works, admired for its clear and engaging prose. Southey also wrote histories of Brazil and the Peninsular War, contributing significantly to English historical writing.

Southey's political views evolved over his lifetime. Initially a radical supporter of the French Revolution, he later became a staunch conservative, advocating for social order and tradition. This shift was reflected in his later writings, which often criticized revolutionary ideals and championed conservative values.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1813, Southey was appointed Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom, a position he held until his death. Despite his success, his later years were marked by personal tragedies, including the death of his wife and several of his children. Southey's health declined, and he suffered from depression and dementia in his final years.

Robert Southey died on 21 March 1843 in Keswick, Cumbria. Although his popularity waned in the years following his death, he is remembered today as a key figure in the Romantic movement and a significant contributor to English literature. His works continue to be studied for their poetic innovation, historical insight, and complex engagement with the social and political issues of his time.

See Also

• Lake Poets
• Romanticism
• William Wordsworth
• Samuel Taylor Coleridge