I wrote a biography of Julia Margaret Cameron and she was a big fan of Emily. Somewhere there’s a quote (from her journals?) of Emily writing “words is enigmas.” Who knows why?? But I love the enigma of her saying it, and its grammar--
I really loved this - I was gearing myself to be angry on behalf of Lady Tennyson until your last paragraph. Such a nuanced look at her role in Alfred (Lord Alfred's) life!
Loved reading this again, Sarah, while polishing my own piece on Emily (have added your article & book to the bibiography). I do love that Larkin poem you quote & suspect the scabrous Tennyson would have enjoyed the joke too.
I wrote a biography of Julia Margaret Cameron and she was a big fan of Emily. Somewhere there’s a quote (from her journals?) of Emily writing “words is enigmas.” Who knows why?? But I love the enigma of her saying it, and its grammar--
You might enjoy the Lynn Truss novel...Cameron is a major character
Emily sounds rather Samuel Beckettish here!
I really loved this - I was gearing myself to be angry on behalf of Lady Tennyson until your last paragraph. Such a nuanced look at her role in Alfred (Lord Alfred's) life!
I agree!
Loved reading this again, Sarah, while polishing my own piece on Emily (have added your article & book to the bibiography). I do love that Larkin poem you quote & suspect the scabrous Tennyson would have enjoyed the joke too.
https://akennedysmith.substack.com/p/french-invasions-and-other-battles
I had no idea about the Possessions character being inspired by Lady Tennyson. Fascinating. Thank you for writing this article.
Oooh can’t wait to read this! Thanks.