The Dolphin Letters, 1970–1979 by Elizabeth Hardwick, Robert Lowell and their Circle, edited by Saskia Hamilton

“Art just isn’t worth that much.” This famous admonition from Elizabeth Bishop to Robert Lowell refers to his use of passages from Elizabeth Hardwick’s letters without her consent in his 1973 poetry collection The Dolphin. The book depicted the disintegration of Lowell’s marriage to Hardwick and his subsequent life with Lady Caroline Blackwood in England. Despite the controversy, Lowell dedicated the book to Blackwood, portrayed her as a transformative muse, while Hardwick felt betrayed from afar.
The Dolphin represented a bold departure in Lowell’s writing style, leading some friends to caution against its publication. Despite the backlash, Lowell defended his decision, emphasizing the urgency he felt in sharing his personal narrative. The fallout from the book strained Lowell’s relationships with prominent figures in the literary world, drawing both support and criticism.
Decades later, The Dolphin appears less scandalous, with the central figures now deceased and the conflicts mellowed. While still poignant, the book’s perspective, particularly in the “Mermaid” poems, may seem outdated in its male-centric lens. The focus shifts towards Hardwick in Saskia Hamilton’s compelling work, The Dolphin Letters, 1970–1979. The collection not only sheds light on Lowell and Hardwick’s tumultuous relationship but also captures the broader dynamics within their literary circle.
The core of the book delves into the love story between Lowell and Hardwick against the backdrop of their failing marriage. The letters portray Hardwick’s resilience as she navigates her life post-Lowell, showcasing her strength as a mother and a writer. Despite the challenges, Hardwick maintains a sense of dignity and faces Lowell’s actions with a mix of condemnation and forgiveness.
The letters oscillate between moments of clarity and turmoil, revealing the complexity of emotions involved. As conflicts escalate post-publication of The Dolphin, tensions rise, particularly around financial matters and property disputes. The correspondence reflects a profound sense of betrayal and disappointment on Hardwick’s part, culminating in a palpable sense of estrangement.
The narrative concludes with Lowell’s sudden death in 1977, underscoring the unresolved nature of his relationships with Hardwick and Blackwood. Hardwick grapples with the aftermath, expressing a mix of grief and acceptance as she comes to terms with his passing. The legacy of love and loss depicted in The Dolphin Letters encapsulates the enduring complexities of human relationships.