Classic and Contemporary Poets

Robert Williams Buchanan (1841-1901) was a Scottish poet, novelist, and playwright, whose literary career spanned the latter half of the 19th century, a period rife with Victorian values and aesthetic shifts. Buchanan’s work often grappled with the social and spiritual unrest of his time, reflecting a broader Victorian conflict between faith and doubt, materialism and spirituality.

Literary Background: Buchanan’s literary output was marked by its diversity, encompassing poetry, fiction, and drama. The latter part of the 19th century was a time of great literary experimentation and innovation, with movements such as Aestheticism, Decadence, and Pre-Raphaelitism gaining traction. Buchanan, however, was notoriously critical of some of these movements, particularly the Pre-Raphaelites, whom he attacked in his infamous article "The Fleshly School of Poetry," published under a pseudonym.

Early Influences: Buchanan’s early life in Scotland and the influence of his father, who was a socialist and a journalist, instilled in him a sympathy for the working class and an awareness of social issues. His literary career began with the publication of "Poems and Love Lyrics" in 1865, which reflected the influence of Romanticism and the lyrical traditions of Scottish poetry.

Poetic Schools or Movements: Although Buchanan’s work did not belong to a specific poetic school, his early poetry was influenced by Romanticism, with a focus on nature, emotion, and individualism. Later, he would react against the aestheticism of the time, advocating for what he saw as a more morally and socially engaged form of literature.

Poetic Oeuvre: Phases and Themes: Buchanan’s poetic oeuvre is notable for its exploration of social issues and its challenge to Victorian orthodoxy. In "London Poems" (1866), Buchanan tackled urban poverty and the plight of the London working class. Another significant work, "The Book of Orm" (1870), is a philosophical and spiritual collection that examines religious doubt and the quest for spiritual faith.

The phases of Buchanan's career also include a later period when he engaged in writing plays, turning to the theater as a medium through which he could directly address a larger audience on moral and social issues.

Influence: Buchanan’s influence is complex. While not leading a particular movement, his work and his criticisms of his contemporaries sparked significant debate about the role of poetry and art in addressing moral and social concerns. His attacks on the Pre-Raphaelites and other aesthetic movements contributed to wider conversations about the purpose and style of literature during the Victorian era.

Honors: Despite his once-prominent role in Victorian literary culture, Buchanan did not receive substantial honors, and his reputation waned towards the end of his life and after his death. This was partly due to his public controversies and his often contentious relationship with other literary figures.

Conclusion: Robert Williams Buchanan’s legacy is one of a contrarian voice amid the cacophony of Victorian literature. His works and critical views encapsulate the tension between art for art’s sake and art as a vehicle for social commentary. While he did not found a school or movement, his insistence on literature’s moral responsibility and his critique of aestheticism’s excesses remain part of the dialogue about the role of literature in society. Buchanan’s career, marked by an initial flourish and a slow decline, mirrors the broader trajectory of Victorian faith in progress and the eventual disillusionment that characterized the turn of the century.

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