In grouping together in a single study the work of Blake, Carlyle, Yeats, and D. H. Lawrence, one becomes aware of a common tradition in which they all participate, of certain shared principles, attitudes, and values, and, despite the individualMoreIn grouping together in a single study the work of Blake, Carlyle, Yeats, and D. H. Lawrence, one becomes aware of a common tradition in which they all participate, of certain shared principles, attitudes, and values, and, despite the individual inflexion of voice, a common language. No matter how distinct each author may be-and the intrinsic individuality of each should not be underestimated-that tradition is obviously Romantic and, more particularly, vitalist.
Moreover, asone sees the continuation of that Romantic vitalism, often to varying degrees and taking different forms, in more contemporary writers-from Dylan Thomas, Richard Eberhart, the American Beat writers of the fifties, to Ted Hughes and, more recently, the Children of Albion-one recognizes also that Yeatss prediction, We were the last romantics was too gloomy in its finality.