Robert Louis Stevenson, the renowned Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, left an important mark on literature with his timeless tales. In this post, we are going analyze the life of Robert Louis Stevenson in a short biography.
Early life
Born on November 13, 1850, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Stevenson’s life was filled with storytelling and narratives. From a young age, Stevenson displayed a keen interest in literature.
As a young child, he was sick quite often, and was “described as a ‘weak chest’.” Despite his health problems early on, Stevenson spent much time conjuring the spirits of fantastical lands to tell his tells. The Stevenson Museum states: “This somewhat isolated childhood led to the development of a healthy imagination through which dreams of being a writer developed” (Stevenson Museum).
Moreover, as some sources wrote, Stevenson wanted to writer early in life and when he became a teenager he “deliberately set out to learn the writer’s craft by imitating a great variety of models in prose and verse” (Britannica).
Seeking adventure
Moreover, at the University of Edinburgh, Stevenson turned his attention away from civil engineering and to literature, history, and science. After obtaining a law degree, he eventually traveled throughout Europe and published essays and articles about his travels. Continuing, he embarked on numerous journeys, seeking inspiration from wherever he ventured and immersing himself in different experiences.
Afterward, he traveled to the US to be with his future wife. Then, he returned his family (wife and her young son) to Britain. Extensive travel had caused a great deal of health problems, but he wrote a volume of material at this point. These writings included Treasure Island (1884), A Child’s Garden of Verses (1885), and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886).
Death
Despite battling tuberculosis and other health issues, Stevenson remained resilient, continuing to write prolifically until his death on December 3, 1894, in Samoa, where he had settled with his family. As such, his legacy endures through his timeless tales, which continue to engage readers of all ages, and inspire countless adaptations and interpretations.
Conclusion
In summation, Robert Louis Stevenson’s life and works remind us of the transformative power of storytelling and the appeal of adventure fiction. Through his writings, he invited readers to embark on journeys of imagination and exploration, allowing them to discover the human experience through characterization.
Works Cited
“Robert Louis Stevenson Website.” Robert Louis Stevenson Website, n.d., https://robert-louis-stevenson.org/.
Daiches, David. “Robert Louis Stevenson.” Britannica. Feb. 2, 2024. Web. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robert-Louis-Stevenson
“Robert Louis Balfour Stevenson (1850-1894)”. Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. Web. https://stevensonmuseum.org/robert-louis-stevenson/the-life/
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[…] Hyde from The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is the antithesis of Dr. Jekyll. He is the abomination–the id–who is altogether […]