Reflections on the personality of Vilis Plūdons in the Museum of Literature and Music collection

Abstract

The article is devoted to the extensive collection on Latvian author Vilis Plūdons (b. Lejenieks, 1874–1940) in the archives of the Museum of Literature and Music (about 3200 items). It reveals how the objects in the museum reflect the poet’s life, personality and creative processes. Plūdons’ autobiographical notes contain vivid scenes of his childhood days. His years at the Baltic Teachers’ Seminary are depicted in a manuscript of the memoirs of Robert Klaustiņš (1875–1962) about the writer, with a note in the corner of the title page: ‘Not for publication’. It draws a colourful portrait of the fledgling poet, also revealing the negative sides of his personality. Plūdons’ reflections on his creative principles and methods which he already started developing at his first job as a young teacher in Liezēre have also been preserved. The turbulent years of self-exploration during the Riga phase are characterized in a document on insolvency related to child support and a prose poem “Fantasy about Flowers”. The museum has the manuscript of the poem, handwritten by Plūdons’ wife, including the author’s corrections. Elfrīda Plūdone (née Melbārde, 1885–1982) selflessly rewrote many of the poet’s works. Later materials reflect Plūdons’ life and personality in his more mature years: his care for his large family and his native Lejenieki home, his work as a teacher, his attitude towards the natural environment, social processes and spiritual issues. The memoir of Konstantīns Karulis (1915–1997) titled “Plūdonis the Teacher ” reveals a contradictory personality. The collection also contains artifacts that have played a part in forming the poet’s unique style and environment. Among the wide range of materials, the article highlights lesser-known aspects of Plūdons’ work and personality, while his collections at the museum offer many more research opportunities.