How did deafness and ataxia affect George Meredith’s later years?

In his later years, George Meredith’s personal life was significantly altered by the onset of deafness and ataxia. These health challenges occurred during a period of transition following the deaths of his wife in 1885 and his son Arthur in 1890.1

The condition of ataxia, which affects coordination and movement, had a progressive impact on his physical independence. It initially limited his ability to walk—an activity he had previously cherished as one of his greatest pleasures—and eventually rendered him immobile. Despite these physical limitations, Meredith continued to be recognized as a prominent literary figure, receiving honors such as the Order of Merit in 1905, and his home at Box Hill became a well-known literary shrine.1