Abstract
The history of the decadent movement in England is traced in Chapter I. Particular attention is focused on the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and its influence on the development of decadence during the latter part of the century. The major themes of the decadents -- sensuousness, ennui, alienation -- are presented and Richard Le Gallienne's commitment to the decadent movement is established. The remaining chapters consider the six major works of the poetry by Le Gallienne and their decadent characteristics. In Chapter IV, a brief outline of the history of anti-scientific feeling in England is provided, along with its impact on the decadents and particularly on Le Gallienne. The final pages evaluate his contribution to the decadent movement.