The Divine Fire

by May Sinclair

"The Divine Fire" by May Sinclair is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book introduces us to Horace Jewdwine, an Oxford don, and his cousin Lucia Harden, as they navigate their relationships and the world of literature. The narrative revolves around the potential genius of a young poet, Savage Keith Rickman, prompting a discussion on artistic responsibility and the intersection of talent and patronage. At the start of the novel, we see Jewdwine returning to his family estate and discussing his discovery of Rickman's poetry, specifically his neo-classical play "Helen in Leuce." Jewdwine feels the weight of responsibility for his discovery and is torn between wanting to help Rickman and recognizing the risks of staking his reputation on an unproven talent. As Jewdwine and Lucia engage in conversations about Rickman, we glimpse their contrasting views on art, ambition, and the expectations placed upon them. Moreover, Rickman's precarious position as a poet in an unkind world is hinted at throughout the dialogue, setting the stage for further exploration of themes related to artistic struggle and the dynamics of friendships formed through intellectual pursuits.