Dorothy Hewett was a prolific writer, poet, and playwright who made significant contributions to Australian literature. Her work spans several decades and covers a range of themes, from love and sexuality to politics and social justice. Hewett’s writing is characterized by its romanticism, confessional nature, and social awareness, which has earned her a devoted following among readers and critics alike.
Early Life and Education
Born on this day May 21, 1923 in Perth, Australia, Hewett grew up on Lambton Downs in Wickepin, a sheep and wheat farm in the wheat belt of Western Australia. Hewett was a bright and curious child who loved to read and write. She attended Perth College, where she excelled academically and developed a passion for literature.
After completing her secondary education, Hewett enrolled at the University of Western Australia. She studied English literature and was an active member of the university’s literary community. Hewett’s time at the university was a formative period in her life, and it was here that she began to develop her unique voice as a writer.
Literary Career and Major Works
Hewett’s literary career began in the 1950s when she published her first novel, Bobbin Up. The book was well-received and established Hewett as a major new voice in Australian literature. Over the next few years, she continued to publish various works of literature, which were widely praised for their honesty and emotional intensity.
In the 1960s, Hewett turned her attention to playwriting. She wrote several plays, including This Old Man Comes Rolling Home and The Chapel Perilous, which were both highly acclaimed. Her plays dealt with a range of themes, including politics, social justice, and sexuality, and they were noted for their humor and unflinching portrayal of the human experience.
Themes in Hewett’s Writing
Hewett’s writing is characterized by its socialist realism, as well as its romantic style and its richness. Her work covers a range of themes, including love, sexuality, politics, and social justice. Her writings also incorporate landscape, music, mystery, and allusion.
Hewett was also deeply interested in politics and social justice. Her writing often tackled issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination, and she was an outspoken advocate for progressive causes. Her work reflects her commitment to creating a more just and equitable society, and she remains an inspiration to many activists and writers today.
Legacy and Recognition
Hewett remains one of the most celebrated writers in Australian literature. Her work has been widely recognized and has won numerous awards, including the Australian Writers’ Guild Award and The Australian Poetry Prize.
Hewett’s legacy extends far beyond her writing. She was a feminist activist and a champion of social justice, and her work inspired generations of writers and activists to fight for a more equitable society. Her contributions to Australian literature and culture continue to be felt today, and she remains an inspiration to many.
The Dark Fires
The dark fires shall burn in many rooms;
will they sometimes miss me with my tangled hair—
still girls in dark uniforms
crouching in winter with their cold hands trembling,
still voices echoing as our voices echoed
and the faded frumped-up form
of a mistress teaching French?
Does she remember us or do we pass
only like dreams of dark figures,
some with different hair or deep voices,
or merely countless hats hanging on pegs,
countless columns of moving massed black legs?
Our minds are sprawled on unforbidden lawns,
our voices lie like queer leaves in the clipped grass,
as we believe so we shall pass.
-Dorothy Hewett
Curated by Jennifer
