Iris Murdoch was a celebrated novelist, poet, and philosopher hailing from Ireland and Britain. Her unique writing style was heavily influenced by her belief in moral realism, giving her works a contemporary and realistic feel while also incorporating profound philosophical concepts that impact her characters.
On July 15, 1919, Iris Murdoch, born Jean Iris Murdoch, entered the world in Dublin, Ireland. She was the only child of Irene Alice Richardson, a former opera singer, and Wills John Hughes Murdoch, a civil servant and World War I veteran. The family moved to London when Murdoch was an infant due to her father's job in the British government.
From a young age, Murdoch had a strong desire to become a writer. She was determined to make this dream a reality, having witnessed her mother giving up her own aspirations due to societal gender norms. Murdoch attended boarding school in Bristol and pursued classical studies at Somerville College, Oxford and philosophy at Newnham College, Cambridge. During her time at university, she had the opportunity to interact with renowned thinkers such as Jean Paul-Sartre and Ludwig Wittgenstein.
However, her political beliefs resulted in Murdoch being denied a scholarship to Vassar College in New York in 1946 for her affiliation with the Communist Party of Great Britain. Though she eventually left the party, her past involvement made it challenging for her to visit the US in the future.
Following her studies, Murdoch worked for the British Treasury from 1942 to 1944, and then for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration for two years, focusing on assisting refugees in Europe. It was during her time at Oxford that she met her future husband, John Bayley, whom she married in 1956. The couple chose not to have children, and Murdoch proudly retained her maiden name even after marriage, asserting her career as a woman. She later lectured in philosophy at St. Anne's College, Oxford and had a romantic relationship with Nobel Prize winner Elias Canetti.
In 1987, Murdoch was honored with the title of Dame Commander of the British Empire. Sadly, at the age of 76, she was diagnosed with dementia and passed away from Alzheimer's disease in Oxford in 1999. Her final novel, Jackson's Dilemma (1985), was a departure from her usual style, with a simpler language and less editing. This change was attributed to the impact of her illness on her writing.
The biographical film Iris (2001) was based on Murdoch's life, particularly her experience with dementia and her marriage to John Bayley, who was also a writer and professor. Starring Kate Winslet and Judi Dench, the film won an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award.
Murdoch's works were characterized by her incorporation of philosophy, a subject she had studied and taught at Oxford University. She was known for introducing a new form of thinking on metaphysics and morals. In her own words, she mentioned philosophy in her novels simply because of her knowledge of it, much like a writer might mention coal mining. Her novels often explored moral realism, delving into concepts of generosity, morality, and virtues.
However, Murdoch was also determined to avoid limiting her characters by exerting too much control over their actions. She believed in allowing them to be free and act like real humans, avoiding the creation of unrealistic or idealistic traits. While she acknowledged the differences between literature and philosophy, she also believed that both were valuable forms of expression.
Throughout her works, such as The Philosopher's Pupil (1983), The Good Apprentice (1985), The Book and Brotherhood (1987), The Message to the Planet (1989), and Metaphysics as a Guide to Morals (1992), Murdoch skillfully combined philosophy and literature to create impactful and thought-provoking stories.
Iris Murdoch was a renowned novelist, known for her exploration of human relationships and societal expectations. Born in Dublin in 1919, she spent most of her life in London and became a highly respected figure in the literary world. In addition to her successful career as a novelist, Murdoch also lectured on philosophy at various universities, infusing her writing with thought-provoking themes and concepts.
Murdoch's work often focused on the impact of society on individual characters. In The Bell (1958), she delves into the lives of characters living in a religious community, highlighting the tension between personal responsibility and societal expectations. Similarly, The Black Prince (1973) explores themes of jealousy and success within a tightly-knit group of characters.
Murdoch's novel Philosopher's Pupil (1983) showcases her belief that life cannot be neatly wrapped up in a fixed plot structure. Through a large cast of characters and messy interconnections, she portrays the chaos and absurdity of real life. A Word Child (1975) also challenges traditional storytelling, following its protagonist through various life stages and personal struggles.
According to Murdoch, novels can be categorized as “closed” or “open”, with closed novels being more focused on the feelings of the author and a smaller community, while open novels feature a wider variety of characters and events. In her own novels, she often deviated from conventional dramatic structure, allowing her characters to have a life of their own.
Apart from her novels, Murdoch was also a prolific writer in other genres, including philosophy, drama, and poetry. The Flight from the Enchanter (1956), a contemporary tale of love, relationships, and power, and The Bell (1958), exploring themes of faith and adulthood, are just some of her notable works.
Murdoch believed in the importance of self-discipline for artists and encouraged them to avoid fantastical elements in their work. Her characters are described with accuracy and attention to detail, mirroring the complexities of human nature.
Overall, Iris Murdoch was a multifaceted artist who challenged conventional ideas and pushed the boundaries of creativity in both philosophy and literature. Her works continue to inspire and influence readers, showcasing the complexities of society and the human condition.
Iris Murdoch believes that true freedom can only be attained when one is not consumed by their desires and goals, shifting away from traditional notions of freedom. As a writer, she focuses on the subject of love in many of her novels, making it the central theme in her work. This shift in perspective reflects Murdoch's evolving views on the concepts of freedom and love. Here are some notable quotes from her work:
Iris Murdoch, a renowned Irish-British author and philosopher, was born in Dublin in 1919 but spent most of her life in London. Her writing is heavily influenced by her background in philosophy and moral realism. Known for her complex characters and unpredictable plots, Murdoch's novels continue to captivate readers with their thought-provoking themes.
Overall, Iris Murdoch's legacy extends beyond the literary world, leaving an impact on the field of philosophy. From The Bell to The Black Prince, each of her works offers a unique perspective that leaves a lasting impression on readers.
Iris Murdoch was a notable Irish-British author and philosopher, known for her work in moral realism. Her masterpieces, including The Flight from the Enchanter and The Sea, The Sea, continue to inspire readers with their exploration of human morality and complexity.
Murdoch's philosophy revolves around moral realism, a concept that allows for a more profound understanding of human beings through exploring morality, virtues, and generosity. This perspective challenges traditional notions of freedom and delves into the complexities of human nature.
In 1976, Iris Murdoch was diagnosed with dementia, which greatly affected her writing and philosophies. However, her contributions to moral realism continue to be recognized and studied by scholars, cementing her legacy in the field.
As a dual citizen of Ireland and Britain, Murdoch's unique blend of cultural influences adds depth and nuance to her works. Her diverse background and experiences have undoubtedly influenced her perspectives and ideas.
In Conclusion
Iris Murdoch's legacy extends beyond the literary and philosophical world, leaving an impact on our understanding of human nature and morality. Her unique perspective on moral realism challenges traditional notions and offers a deeper understanding of human beings. Despite her battle with dementia, her work and ideas continue to be appreciated and studied, solidifying her place as a notable figure in literature and philosophy.
