In earlier writings, I have sought to establish a link between Howard Phillips Lovecraft and Romanticism, and this paper adds to that body of work.
The essay begins with a preliminary sketch of the use of gardens in Romantic thought and the highlighting of six themes: contemplation, joy, the dramatic, the strange, the foreign, and the beautiful, that all underpins Romanticism.
This is followed by an elucidation of Lovecraft’s fascination with gardens, his dealings in Romantic themes, and what role they play in his short 1917 poem “A Garden”.
The essay concludes that given Lovecraft’s love of gardens and that his poem “A Garden” is imbued with Romantic themes and involves ‘wondrous contemplation’ and ‘poetic knowledge’, the case for his Romanticism has been strengthened.
I am proud to say that the essay contains original artwork from Harry Evans and that his contribution: “Withered” really adds to the essay. If you are interested in purchacing artwork by Harry Evans please contact me.
SECTIONS:
Romantic Gardens and Their Themes: A Primer
Lovecraft’s Romantic Bent: An Advance
Romantic Qualities in Lovecraft’s Short Stories and Poetry: A Precis
Summary: A Closure
