Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Balfour Stevenson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on November 13, 1850. He was prone to illness and spent many days lying in bed writing and reading. He wanted to follow family tradition and become a lighthouse engineer, so he began studying at University of Edinburgh in 1867, but quickly realized he preferred to persue a career of literature. He still aquired a law degree and was admitted to the bar by the time he was 25, all in an effort to please his father. Before getting married in 1876, Stevenson spent 4 years wandering around Europe publishing essays and articles centered around his travels. Depsite his deteriorating health, he made a life-threatening trip to the United States to remain close to his wife. Shortly after the birth of their son, he moved his family back to England where he would publish his first successful novel in 1884. 10 years later, in 1894, Stevenson became depressed because he believed his best years were behind him. He died on the evening of December 3, 1894.

Movement: Romanticism

Prevalent Literary Themes: good vs evil, religion, repression, friendship, appearances, science, curiosity

Prevalent Literary Devices: allegory, symbolism, imagery, motifs

When matched to Robert Louis Stevenson, it means that similarities have been found between your poetic style and the themes and literary techniques typically seen in works by this famous poet. For example, you might use allegory or strong imagery in the same way that Stevenson does. Recognizing these similarities is important because it gives you information about the history of your poetic style, which poets might inspire you, and what writing techniques you should try next.

Which Writing Techniques Should You Try Next?

Try using motifs and symbolism more often. You might also like experimenting with writing about the duality of human experience.

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