May Probyn
May Probyn was a 19th-century French-born poet and novelist who became notable in the Victorian literary scene, particularly for her exploration of women's voices in literature. Born in 1858, she was raised in an Anglican household before converting to Catholicism in 1883, which significantly influenced her life and writing. Probyn initially pursued her literary ambitions, publishing her first novel in 1878 and a collection of poems in 1881. However, after her conversion, she shifted her focus towards humanitarian efforts, particularly placing orphaned children in convents, which led to a decline in her health and a more reclusive lifestyle.
Despite these challenges, Probyn revitalized her writing in London through relationships with fellow women authors, such as Katharine Tynan. Together, they published a collection of poems titled "Christmas Verses" in 1895, which reflected their shared religious themes. Probyn's poetry often combined her faith with scientific interests, showcasing her appreciation for the natural world. Her works were distinguished by their lyrical quality and emotional depth, earning acclaim from contemporary critics. Although her poetry may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of her peers, Probyn remains an important figure in discussions about women's literary contributions during the Victorian era and is included in various anthologies of female writers from that time.
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May Probyn
- Born: 1858
- Birthplace: France
- Died: March 29, 1909
Biography
May Probyn was born in France in 1858. She was the daughter of an Anglican clergyman. Raised in Weybridge during the Victorian era, Probyn became particularly aware of how women, especially in England, were gaining a new voice in literature. At an early age, she became strongly influenced by these literary movements.
Capitalizing on her desire for writing, Probyn published her first novel in 1878 and her first book of verse, Poems, in 1881. In 1883, Probyn was converted to Catholicism after reading Cardinal John Henry Newman’s Discourses Addressed to Mixed Congregations. Newly motivated by a Christian desire to help others, she eschewed her literary aspirations and devoted much of her time to placing orphaned children in convents. Distressed by this difficult life, Probyn soon became an invalid and a recluse. Intending to start a new chapter in her life, she moved from Devizes to South Street, Park Lane, London, to be near her spiritual adviser.
During her attempt at recovery in London, Probyn began revitalizing her writing skills through the companionship of other women authors. Katharine Tynan, who was a close friend of poet William Butler Yeats, was to call upon her in June of 1889, and the two struck up a literary friendship which led to the publication of a joint collection of their poems. Both women were strongly inspired by religious subjects, especially the nativity of Christ, and Christmas Verses was published by the Catholic Truth Society in 1895. This would be the last volume of Probyn’s work to be published prior to her death in 1909.
Along with her focus on religious themes, Probyn was also interested in scientific issues, especially those dealing with the natural world. Pansies was a volume of poems written by Probyn that looked more closely at these horticultural aspects of nature. It was later reviewed by Tynan in the Irish Independent on April 19, 1895, and published by Charles Elkin Mathews in March, 1895. Along with the poetry inside, it was also appreciated for the ornate flower designs on its covers. In accordance with the work of such lesser-known contemporaries as Mathilde Blind and Constance Naden, Probyn wanted to express her appreciation for the sciences and rebuke the myth that such issues could only be addressed by men.
Probyn’s poetry was and still is recognized for its pure style and distinct lyrical sound. Her first collection of poems, including one titled “Soapsuds,” was particularly revered for such features. This inaugural volume was met with much acclaim by critics from such magazines as Newcastle Courant and Vanity Fair. These elite columnists fawned over her fresh verses and skillful grasp of metrical science. Probyn’s poems were considered simple and sincere and laced with an underlying tenderness that was highly engaging and pleasing to the reader.
As much as Probyn was pleased by such a positive reception, following her conversion, Probyn would never allow her poems to demoralize her faith. One of her poetry books A Ballad of the Road, and Other Poems contained poems written before Probyn’s conversion. Upon realizing that she had made what she felt to be slighting references to Catholic priests in one of its poems, she subsequently withdrew and burned the edition.
Much of Probyn’s work has been included in various Victorian women writers’ anthologies. Such books often concentrate on writers whose works are provocative, forceful, and impassioned. Standing out with its discrete yet emotional style, Probyn’s poetry is revered in these compilations just as significantly as more notable nineteenth century works by such authors as Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Charlotte and Emily Brontë. Regardless of prominence, each of these women authors were speaking on issues that pertained to the reestablishment of female identity. Because they were each conscious of one another’s work, their poems establish a network of cross-references and inspiration that is still poignant for female literary voices today.