A Poet in Prison by Edmund Gosse
The memoir recounts the life of François Villon, a 15th-century French poet who was imprisoned for theft and later pardoned. The book explores Villon's early life, his education, and his descent into crime, as well as his experiences in prison and his subsequent rehabilitation. Through Villon's story, the author examines the complexities of human nature and the redemptive power of art.
By Edmund Gosse · First published 1919 · Genre: Biography, Historical, Literary Criticism · 2,497 words
First lines
THE SHEPHEARDS HUNTING: _being Certain Eglogues written during the time of the Authors Imprisonment in the Marshalsey. By George Wyther, Gentleman. London, printed by W. White for George Norton, and are to be sold at the signe of the red-Bull neere Temple-barre_. 1615.
What this Textopian page supports
A Poet in Prison is listed on Textopian as an essay by Edmund Gosse, dated 1919 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Edmund Gosse
- Date: 1919 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Biography, Historical, Literary Criticism, Non-fiction
- Length: 2,497 words
- Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Biography — The work provides a detailed account of the life of a poet, including his experiences, personal relationships, and creative works.
- Historical — The narrative is set in a specific historical period, with references to the social and cultural context of the time.
- Literary Criticism — The work includes analysis and critique of the poet's works, as well as discussions on the nature of poetry and the role of the poet.
- Non-fiction — The work is based on factual information and real events, rather than invented stories or characters.
Tags
Biography · Autobiographical · Prison Life · Victorian Era · Literary Figure · Poetic Inspiration · Imprisonment · Personal Struggle · Artistic Expression · Memoir · 19th Century Literature · British Literature