Special Sub-Topic: Still More Dramatic Lives of Creative People Click Here To Play: Still More Dramatic Lives of Creative People

Which of the following people suffered the tragic loss of his 10 year old daughter, Annie?

Charles Darwin. Darwin was said to have been completely and utterly devastated by the loss of his young daughter.

Daniel Defoe did time in prison. Why?

Political and Religious Writings. Defoe's writings were often critical of popular religious or political viewpoints. Such criticism was not always well-tolerated by the existing powers. (Defoe, of course, was the author of "Robinson Crusoe".)

Which of the following did NOT die young?

Ludwig Van Beethoven. Mozart died young after a spectacular early career (as you know if you've seen "Amadeus"). Chopin also succumbed (to TB, I believe) at an early age. Schubert made it only to 31; VD may have been the cause of his demise. Beethoven lived a normal life span.

Which of the following was derided and mocked as a "hunchbacked toad"?

Alexander Pope. He was very short and definitely hunchbacked .... but this did not prevent him from becoming one of the world's most celebrated poets.

Which of the following suffered the loss of several children in infancy, followed by the death of his wife at a young age?

Rembrandt. Rembrandt had several children die in infancy. One boy finally made it through the early years ... but Rembrandt's wife died all-too-soon thereafter.

Which of the following was accused of complicity in the murder of his mistress?

Racine. Racine was apparently a bit of a playboy. When one of his mistresses died young there was talk (from the lady's family) that Racine may have been involved and may have poisoned her. Formal charges, however, were never brought.

Which of these famous poets lost his wife after being married for only four years?

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The others mentioned all had other problems: Crane and Dowson committed suicide and Brooke died during WWI (of septicemia).

Which of the following suffered the death of his wife, Ellen, at an early age?

Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson's world was badly jolted when he lost his wife to illness at an early age.

Which of the following was romantically involved with the legendary George Sand?

Alfred De Musset. DeMusset, the famous poet, was involved with the famous (or infamous) Sand. I believe that Chopin followed DeMusset as the "new boyfriend".

Which of the following died on stage while performing the lead role in a play that he had written?

Moliere. Moliere was performing the lead role in "The Imaginary Invalid" when he collapsed on stage. He did not recover.