Letter #6: Mrs E. M. Wright
In a revealing letter dated February 13, 1923, J.R.R. Tolkien offers a candid glimpse into his life during his early academic career at the University of Leeds and the domestic challenges he faced back home. Addressed to Mrs. E.M. Wright, the wife of his former Oxford mentor Joseph Wright, this correspondence not only reflects on his scholarly activities but also shares a personal snapshot of his family life during a trying time.
In this period, Tolkien was transitioning from a Reader in English Language to a professorship at Leeds, a significant step in his academic career. His professional dedication is evident as he discusses the substantial effort he invested in a glossary for Kenneth Sisam’s Middle English Reader. Tolkien admits to having "lavished an amount of time on it which is terrible to recall," hinting at both the depth of his commitment and the personal cost of such scholarly endeavors. His work not only delayed the publication but also brought a mix of instructional reward and considerable stress, reflecting the meticulous nature that would later define his creation of Middle-earth’s languages.
Tolkien also shares his thoughts on Mrs. Wright's recent article about Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, a text that Tolkien himself was editing with E.V. Gordon. He praises her contribution to smoothing out a "rough patch" in the poem, expressing delight in her insights which reinforced his confidence in the scholarship surrounding the poem. This exchange underscores the vibrant academic dialogue of the time and Tolkien’s respect for the contributions of his peers.
Amid these scholarly discussions, Tolkien provides a rare insight into his personal life, describing a "somewhat disastrous Christmas." The holiday season had seen his children, John and Michael, stricken with measles, a situation that quickly escalated until Tolkien was the only healthy person left in the household. This personal crisis disrupted his work, leaving his academic plans in ruins. However, with a touch of relief, he notes that his family members have recovered, albeit with some lingering effects on his vacation work.
This blend of personal and professional reflections illustrates the dual pressures Tolkien navigated. On one hand, he was deeply entrenched in the academic world, pushing the boundaries of Middle English studies and contributing to its scholarship. On the other, he was a family man, caught up in the everyday trials that accompanied raising a young family.
Tolkien concludes the letter by mentioning the success of philology at Leeds, noting the high proportion of students opting for language studies—a testament to his influence and the growing interest in philological research under his guidance. He signs off with a hopeful note on the academic environment, free from the coercive tactics that might force students into less favored subjects.
Through this letter, fans of Tolkien gain an intimate look at his life beyond the writer of Middle-earth. It paints a picture of a scholar deeply involved in his academic field, yet equally devoted to his family during health crises. The themes of dedication, community, and personal hardship that Tolkien shared with Mrs. Wright echo the profound narratives of friendship, duty, and resilience found in his later literary works. For those who revere Tolkien’s epic tales, understanding these personal and professional contexts enriches our appreciation of the complexities and richness of his creative genius.