Ursula Bethell

In this podcast, Dr. Alison Laurie, former director of the Gender and Women's Studies Programme at Victoria University of Wellington, and an active writer, oral historian, and LGBTQ+ activist, delves into the life and relationships of New Zealand poet Ursula Bethell, who lived from 1874 to 1945. Laurie discusses Bethell's significant relationship with Effie Pollen, also examining societal views on same-sex relationships during Bethell's lifetime.

Ursula Bethell and Effie Pollen shared an intimate connection that lasted over three decades, only ending with Pollen's death in 1934. Their relationship prospered as they lived as expatriates and later settled in New Zealand in their 40s, setting up a domestic life in the affluent Christchurch suburb of Cashmere. Bethell had gathered considerable wealth, which insulated their partnership and enabled them to establish a home where Bethell could focus on poetry, drawing inspiration from their shared life. Pollen's death profoundly affected Bethell, evident in grief-stricken writings.

While some biographers might depict the relationship as platonic, Laurie suggests that the use of the term "maternal" by Bethell doesn't preclude the passion, romance, and perhaps sexual aspect of their bond. Bethell, an educated and well-traveled individual, likely knew of the homosexual maternal discourse prevalent in the early 20th century, which could shape the way they described and understood their partnership.

Bethell's background is recounted, including birth in Surrey, England, subsequent upbringing in New Zealand following the family's return, education in New Zealand and Europe, and eventual meeting with Pollen in 1905 in London. The two developed a close relationship, with Bethell moving back to New Zealand to be near Pollen. They established a life together in Christchurch, calling each other affectionate nicknames and sharing in both domestic duties and the enjoyment of art and society, despite the need to maintain a level of privacy due to the social climate of the time.

Laurie further discusses Bethell's personal anguish expressed in letters and poems following Pollen's sudden death, illustrating the depth of love and the desolation that followed. The podcast presenter notes that despite the tragedy, Bethell later formed a significant friendship with a younger person named Kathleen Taylor. Although this relationship appears to have been important to Bethell, it's suggested that no romantic relationship could match the affection for Pollen, with Bethell ensuring they remained respectful to Pollen’s memory.

In conclusion, the abstract of Alison Laurie’s podcast highlights the intimate, yet socially constrained, life and love shared between Ursula Bethell and Effie Pollen and underscores the significance of these relationships, not only on a personal level but also creatively, as reflected in Bethell's poetry. Laurie emphasizes that considering these connections as merely platonic friendships fails to acknowledge the profound love and impact they had on Bethell's life and work.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Alison Laurie

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