Neither Dorking nor the Abbey

"Neither Dorking nor the Abbey" by J. M. Barrie is a poignant reflection written in the early 20th century, likely around the period of 1909. This literary piece can be categorized as a tribute or memorial essay, commemorating the life and legacy of the influential author George Meredith. The text explores themes of mortality, celebration of life, and the significance of one's resting place, ultimately contemplating where a great man's remains should be honored. In this work, Barrie paints a vivid scene of a funeral procession moving towards Dorking after the death of Meredith. He describes the mourning crowd of children and admirers, revealing their joyous remembrance rather than grief. The narrative shifts to a representation of Meredith himself, who, upon passing, transforms back into a youthful version of himself, joyful and exuberant. He is greeted by a celestial assembly of literary peers on Box Hill, emphasizing the idea that great authors never truly leave us but continue to live through their works and the memories they instill in others. The piece captures both a sense of loss and a celebration of Meredith's enduring influence, encapsulating the spirit of literary immortality. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir James Matthew Barrie, 1st Baronet, was a Scottish novelist and playwright, best remembered as the creator of Peter Pan. He was born and educated in Scotland and then moved to London, where he wrote several successful novels and plays. There he met the Llewelyn Davies boys, who inspired him to write about a baby boy who has magical adventures in Kensington Gardens, then to write Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up, a 1904 West End "fairy play" about an ageless boy and an ordinary girl named Wendy who have adventures in the fantasy setting of Neverland.