The Well of Loneliness (eBook)

Radclyffe Hall (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2023
457 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654772967-9 (EAN)

Infos

Radclyffe Hall's "The Well of Loneliness" unfolds the poignant narrative of Stephen Gordon, a character grappling with the complexities of her identity as a lesbian in early 20th-century England. Hall's prose, marked by its lyrical quality and intricate psychological insight, deftly explores themes of love, isolation, and societal rejection. This groundbreaking work, first published in 1928, occupies a significant place in LGBTQ+ literature, challenging contemporary gender norms and illuminating the harsh realities faced by those like Stephen, often regarded as an outsider in her own world. Hall, a prominent figure within the Bloomsbury Group and an outspoken advocate for sexual liberation, drew upon her own experiences of love and ostracism to craft this deeply personal tale. Her conviction that love, in all its forms, deserves recognition and understanding is the driving force behind the novel. Despite facing significant backlash and censorship, including a notorious trial for obscenity, Hall's commitment to portraying authentic lives reflects her determination to pave a path for future generations of LGBTQ+ writers. Readers seeking a thoughtful exploration of identity and the human condition will find "The Well of Loneliness" both a heartfelt and illuminating experience. It invites reflection on societal norms and challenges us to acknowledge the diverse expressions of love, making this novel an essential read for anyone interested in the intricacies of human relationships and the struggle for self-acceptance.

Autor

Radclyffe Hall, born Marguerite Radclyffe Hall on August 12, 1880, in Bournemouth, England, is a distinguished figure in English literature, renowned for her trailblazing themes and deep exploration of lesbian identity. She was educated at King's College London and later inherited her father's estate, which allowed her to concentrate on writing. Hall's literary career is hallmarked by her novel 'The Well of Loneliness' (1928), a seminal work in lesbian literature. This novel, despite its controversial reception and subsequent legal battles over obscenity, has become a classic, praised for its compassionate portrayal of homosexual life and struggle for acceptance. Known for her bold exploration of a then-taboo subject, Hall's narrative style is characterized by its earnest and forthright approach. Writing under the name Radclyffe Hall, she brought forth narratives that challenged the social mores of the time, marking her as a pioneer in the representation of queer themes in literature. She was also an established poet, with collections such as 'Twixt Earth and Stars' (1906) and 'Songs of Three Counties and Other Poems' (1913). Her literary contributions extend beyond her most famous work, with novels like 'The Unlit Lamp' (1924) and 'Adam's Breed' (1926), the latter of which won the Prix Femina Vie Heureuse and the James Tait Black Memorial Prize. Radclyffe Hall's impact on literature and LGBTQ+ rights is undiminished, and her works continue to be celebrated and studied for their profound cultural and historical significance.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 22.11.2023
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Klassiker / Moderne Klassiker
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Romane / Erzählungen
• Themenwelt: Sozialwissenschaften ► Soziologie ► Gender Studies
• Schlagworte: 1920s queer fiction • Alan Hollinghurst • British lesbian authors • classic lesbian romance • Controversial literature • Death in Venice • Early 20th Century • early 20th century England • early 20th century lesbian books • female protagonist • Gender identity • Gender identity exploration • Gender identity in literature • Giovanni's Room • historical LGBTQ+ fiction • Human Spirit • introspective prose • lesbian literature classics • LGBTQ+ narratives • LGBTQ romance novels • LGBTQ+ Themes • loneliness and love • Maurice • Michael Cunningham • Middlesex • obscenity trial • Oranges are not the Only Fruit • Patricia Highsmith • personal experiences • queer literature • queer narrative • Radclyffe Hall novels • Resilience • same-sex relationships • Social recognition • societal expectations • Societal Margins • The Color Purple • The Well of Loneliness themes • Zami