Marmion Savage
Marmion Savage was an Irish writer prominent during the Victorian era, known for his literary contributions in both Great Britain and the United States. Born in County Down, Ireland, in a familial environment influenced by his father's role as a rector, Savage pursued classical studies at Trinity College in Dublin, earning his B.A. in 1824. Initially working as a civil servant in Dublin, he began his literary career with several novels published anonymously before revealing his identity with "Reuben Medlicott: Or, The Coming Man" in 1852. His works often blend humor with social commentary, addressing contemporary political issues and the behaviors of young men. Among his notable novels, "The Bachelor of the Albany" gained significant popularity, featuring the comedic tale of a bachelor who unexpectedly finds love. Savage's writing is characterized by its satirical approach, particularly in relation to the socio-political climate of Ireland, making his stories relevant both for their entertainment value and their insightful critique of societal norms. After moving to London, he continued his literary endeavors while editing "The Examiner" and producing works that engaged with the cultural shifts of his time, including the influence of Darwin's writings.
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Marmion Savage
Writer
- Born: 1803
- Birthplace: Ireland
- Died: May 1, 1872
Biography
An Irish writer of the Victorian era, Marimon Savage enjoyed literary popularity during his lifetime in both Great Britain and the United States. The son of Reverend Henry Savage, rector of Ardeen in County Down, Ireland, and Sarah Bewley Savage, the author grew up in Ireland, where he was employed and wrote his novels for many years before moving to England. Savage studied the classics and received a B.A. from Trinity College in Dublin in 1824. Married twice, first to Olivia Clarke, who died, and then to Narissa Rosava, Savage had no children.
Savage began his career in a government post in Dublin. His first three novels were originally published anonymously. With the publication of Reuben Medlicott: Or, The Coming Man in 1852, Savage identified himself as author of this work and the previous threes: The Falcon Family (1845), The Bachelor of the Albany (1847), and My Uncle the Curate (1849), already in print. Each novel was published in New York a year after its publication in London. His second and most popular novel, The Bachelor of the Albany, was reprinted up until 1927.
The Falcon’s Family is written in the satiric mode that would come to be identified with his work. His stories revolve around contemporary political issues, social concerns, and the habits and behaviors of young men. This novel deals humorously with the contentious issue of the division of Ireland, as Savage pokes fun at all groups involved— the young Irish, the Anglo Irish, and the Tractarian monks—all battling over the union between Ireland and Great Britain. Still working as a civil servant, Savage published The Bachelor of the Albany. The novel, considered his best, focuses on an eccentric and grumpy bachelor, who, despite his confirmed independence, falls in love and marries a charming young woman in a triple wedding ceremony that unites three couples and two subplots that provide additional fun, drama, and coincidence. The most appealing element of the story is its comedy: portrayals of the bachelor rival characterizations by Charles Dickens and funny scenes, like the rescue of the bachelor from a burning cottage by his sweetheart, rival scenes in a tale by Geoffrey Chaucer.
Savage’s next novel, My Uncle the Curate, explores social problems in Ireland in 1830. Here the curate helps the disgruntled community recognize the importance of intelligence and love in shaping a positive social direction. Reuben Medlicott, nearly as popular as The Bachelor of the Albany, satirizes young men of the mid-nineteenth century. Again, the characterization amuses and delights.
Savage’s novelette, Clover Cottage, was adapted for the stage by Tom Taylor as Nine Points of the Law a few years after its publication in 1856. About the time of the publication of this work, Savage moved to London, where he served as editor of The Examiner while writing The Woman of Business, a novel dealing with the impact of Charles Darwin’s writing on contemporary culture. Savage’s novels present comical portraits as well as a record of some of the compelling political and social concerns of his time.