A Recollection by Max Beerbohm
The narrative recounts a vivid Christmas experience in Venice during December 1878, centered around the interactions between two prominent literary figures, Robert Browning and Henrik Ibsen. The narrator, a young admirer of both poets, reflects on the significance of this encounter and the contrasting personalities of the two men. Upon arriving in Venice, the narrator visits Browning at the Palazzo Rezzonico, where he is captivated by Browning's energy and charm. Browning is engaged in revising his work, "Dramatic Idylls," and shares selected passages with the narrator, who is enthralled by the experience. Later, while wandering in Piazza San Marco, the narrator spots Ibsen, whose stern demeanor contrasts sharply with Browning's vivacity. Despite initial apprehension, the narrator approaches Ibsen, and they rekindle their previous correspondence. The narrator spends afternoons with Browning and evenings with Ibsen, leading to a desire to introduce the two literary giants. On Christmas Eve, the narrator proposes the idea to Browning, who enthusiastically agrees to host Ibsen for Christmas dinner. The narrator then faces the challenge of persuading Ibsen to attend, as Ibsen is initially reluctant, having never heard of Browning. However, the promise of a gondola ride convinces Ibsen to join. On Christmas Day, the narrator accompanies Ibsen to Browning's home, where Browning greets them with warmth and enthusiasm. However, the language barrier complicates their interaction, as Ibsen speaks Norwegian while Browning communicates in Italian. The dinner conversation reveals their differing perspectives, particularly regarding Italy's political situation and the authenticity of a recently discovered fragment of Sappho's poetry. Tensions arise as Ibsen expresses controversial opinions, but the festive atmosphere is momentarily saved by the arrival of flaming plum pudding. After the meal, Ibsen expresses gratitude and departs, leaving the narrator relieved yet aware of the underlying tensions. Browning later praises Ibsen, but the encounter does not lead to further interaction between the two poets. Ibsen remains in Venice for some time, seemingly absorbed in the city's ambiance, but there is no indication he revisits Browning. The work captures the complexities of artistic personalities, the challenges of communication, and the fleeting nature of significant encounters, all set against the backdrop of a picturesque Venice during the holiday season.
By Max Beerbohm · First published 1922 · Genre: Literary Non-Fiction, Biography, Historical Fiction · 2,543 words
First lines
"And let us strew Twain wreaths of holly and of yew. " WALLER.
One out of many Christmas Days abides with peculiar vividness in my memory. In setting down, however clumsily, some slight record of it, I feel that I shall be discharging a duty not only to the two disparately illustrious men who made it so very memorable, but also to all young students of English and Scandinavian literature. My use of the first person singular, delightful though that pronoun is in the works of the truly gifted, jars unspeakably on me; but reasons of space baulk my sober desire to call myself merely the present writer, or the infatuated go-between, or the cowed and imponderable young person who was in attendance.
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A Recollection is listed on Textopian as a short story by Max Beerbohm, dated 1922 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Max Beerbohm
- Date: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Non-Fiction, Biography, Historical Fiction, Essay, Travel Literature
- Length: 2,543 words
- Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Literary Non-Fiction — The work is a personal recollection and reflection on significant literary figures, blending memoir with analysis.
- Biography — It provides insights into the lives and personalities of Robert Browning and Henrik Ibsen, focusing on their interactions.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical context, capturing the cultural atmosphere of 19th-century Venice.
- Essay — The writing style is reflective and analytical, characteristic of essayistic literature.
Tags
Autobiographical · Memoir · Satire · Humor · Social Commentary · Literary Criticism · Intellectual History · Biographical Sketches · Wit · Sarcasm · Irony · Nostalgia