Ash's Identity
Posted by Karen R on October 28, 1997 at 16:53:19:
In response to My "minor" concern, written by Jane Elizabeth on October 28, 1997 at 14:12:51
] I admit it. It was I who questioned "minor poet." And based on the above your point is well taken. Is there a position between "major" and "minor" that we can agree upon? He can't, after all, be TOO minor, or there would not be so many people and resources dedicated to his life and work.
] Perhaps Byatt did not want to strain credulity too much. After all, if she had created a fictional poet who was the equal of Tennyson, we might have a harder time believing him to be real, at least for the duration of the novel.
I actually wish she had just used one of those guys as her model. Her "composite" poet is taking up toooo much of my time. From a personal standpoint, I see much more Tennyson in Ash; however, from the comments about his work, he's more Browning. (I haven't opened up the Browning bio I just picked up yet.)...and then, will I have time to research Dickenson and Rossetti? (nope)
Fun Fact: Tennyson's wife was Emily Sellwood. He was engaged to her for like 20 years. Browning was, of course, married to Elizabeth Barrett. Both "E"s. And then we have Ellen Ash. So much of what she did is just like what Emily Tennyson did. Incredible. But they had children...One is even mentioned as a pallbearer at Ash's funeral (Hallam Tennyson).
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