Talk with William Hazlitt

William Hazlitt (1778-1830) was an English writer, remembered for his humanistic essays and literary criticism. Born in Maidstone, Kent, he was the son of a Unitarian minister. Hazlitt was a prolific and versatile writer, producing essays on a wide variety of subjects, from politics and philosophy to art criticism and drama.

Educated at the New College at Hackney, Hazlitt was originally intended for the ministry, but he abandoned this path and chose instead to devote himself to a career in writing. Early in his career, he concentrated on philosophical inquiry, influenced by thinkers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Locke. He published his first book, "An Essay on the Principles of Human Action," in 1805, which focused on individualism and the motivations behind human actions.

However, Hazlitt is best known for his literary criticism and essays. Among his most famous works are "Characters of Shakespeare’s Plays" (1817) and "The Spirit of the Age" (1825), where he provides vivid portraits of his contemporaries including poets like Lord Byron and William Wordsworth. His writings are often celebrated for their clarity, perceptiveness, and the lively, engaging style that makes them accessible to a broad audience.

Hazlitt's work also includes significant political commentary during a turbulent period in English history that saw the rise of Reformist movements and the impact of the French Revolution. This period was reflected in some of his other notable essays such as "Table-Talk" (1821-22) and "The Plain Speaker" (1826).

Hazlitt's style, marked by an ability to bring complex ideas down to the common reader’s level without losing intellectual rigor, has led to his reputation as not only one of the great critics and essayists of the English language but also as an advocate for the appreciation of art and literature as vital to human understanding and moral progress. Despite challenges in his personal life and financial struggles, Hazlitt’s writings continued to have a significant impact on English literature and criticism.

William Hazlitt is renowned for his insightful and eloquent essays, which cover a wide range of subjects from art and literature to philosophy and social commentary. Some of his most famous essays include:

1. "The Fight" - This essay offers a detailed account of a boxing match between Bill Neate and Tom Hickman. It is celebrated for its vivid description and exploration of human emotion and crowd dynamics.

2. "On the Pleasure of Hating" - This essay delves into the paradoxical nature of hatred, examining how it can both poison and invigorate human life. It is noted for its introspective acuteness and philosophical depth.

3. "On Going a Journey" - This piece is a reflective essay on the joys of solitary travel and the pleasures of immersing oneself in nature and one's own thoughts, without the distractions of companionship.

4. "The Indian Jugglers" - Focusing on the skill and artistry of Indian jugglers Hazlitt saw perform, this essay expands to discuss issues of effort, skill, and mastery in general, making broader philosophical points about human endeavor.

5. "On Familiar Style" - This is an important essay in which Hazlitt discusses the merits of writing in a style that is conversational and accessible, yet intellectually engaging.

6. "On the Ignorance of the Learned" - Here, Hazlitt argues that highly educated people often remain ignorant about the world and common life due to their narrow focus on specialized subjects.

These essays showcase Hazlitt’s ability to blend personal reflection with cultural criticism and intellectual exploration, making them enduringly popular and relevant.

William Hazlitt was a keen observer and critic of the social and cultural dynamics of his time, often channeling his thoughts through his essays. His critiques of popular culture are primarily found in his discussions on theatre, literature, and public manners.

1. Theatre and Drama: Hazlitt was an ardent theatre critic, and much of his analysis of popular culture comes through his reviews of plays and performances. He was particularly fond of Shakespeare and often used Shakespeare's works as a standard to judge contemporary theatre. His reviews were not just critiques but also reflections on the tastes, manners, and sensibilities of the audience, effectively capturing the cultural pulse of his time.

2. Literature and Authors: Hazlitt's essays often dissect the work of his contemporaries and predecessors, offering insights into the literary culture of the early 19th century. He wrote extensively about poets like Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Byron, providing not only literary criticism but also commentary on how their works were received and perceived by the public and by literary circles.

3. Art and Painting: Apart from his writings on literature and drama, Hazlitt also engaged with the visual arts. His essays discuss the nature of art appreciation and critique the prevailing tastes in painting, such as in his piece on the "English School" of painting, where he both praises and critiques contemporaneous artists.

4. Public Opinion and Manners: Hazlitt was deeply interested in the dynamics of public opinion, mass appeal, and their influences on art and politics. His essays often explore how public opinion shapes and is shaped by political and cultural leaders, along with the role of the press in sculpting societal views.

Through these domains, Hazlitt critiqued not just the artworks or performances but the societal underpinnings that drove popular culture. His works provide a rich exploration of the interplay between society, culture, and individual talent in the early 19th century.

William Hazlitt's early life had a profound influence on his career, shaping him into a prominent literary and social critic with a deep engagement in philosophy, art, and politics. Born on April 10, 1778, in Maidstone, Kent, England, to a Unitarian minister, his upbringing was steeped in a liberal and intellectual environment. This liberal background exposed him to revolutionary ideas which later influenced his writings.

The family's move to America in 1783, although short-lived, exposed Hazlitt to new political and social dynamics that would later surface in his critical essays. Returning to England, he was educated at home and at various seminaries, including Hackney Theological Seminary, where he was exposed to a thorough education in philosophy and theology. Although he eventually abandoned his religious training to focus on literature and art, his interest in philosophy continued to permeate his literary criticisms.

Hazlitt's early exposure to the works of thinkers like John Locke and David Hartley also played a significant role in shaping his intellectual pursuits. His father's encouragement in pursuing art led him to briefly pursue a career as a painter before definitively turning to literature and journalism. His passion for art remained evident in his extensive art critiques and writings on aesthetics.

This rich and varied early education did not only fill his works with philosophical depth but also armed him with the principles of liberty and free expression, which were central themes in his essays. His early philosophical studies, passion for art, and the political leanings of his upbringing can be seen as the foundation stones of his later career as an esteemed essayist and critic during the Romantic period.

William Hazlitt had complex relationships with many of the leading Romantic poets of his time. He was an essayist and critic who interacted closely with several key figures of the Romantic period, including Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Shelley, among others.

Hazlitt was initially a great admirer of William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. He was especially influenced by their innovative ideas and poetic philosophies in his early days. Hazlitt's essay "My First Acquaintance with Poets" recounts his enthusiastic meeting with Coleridge, describing it as pivotal in shaping his intellectual and poetic sensibilities. However, over time, as political and philosophical differences emerged, particularly after Wordsworth and Coleridge’s shift towards more conservative political views, Hazlitt’s admiration turned into disillusionment and criticism. Despite this, he continued to respect their early works.

Hazlitt also wrote about Percy Bysshe Shelley, whom he praised for his radical ideas and lyrical genius. However, they did not share a close personal relationship. Hazlitt appreciated Shelley’s poetic talent and his commitment to political and social reform, themes close to Hazlitt's own intellectual pursuits.

Hazlitt’s relationship with Lord Byron was more distant and somewhat critical. He recognized Byron's poetic genius but was often critical of his personality and lifestyle, which he saw as overly extravagant and sometimes morally questionable.

Overall, Hazlitt's relationships with the Romantic poets were marked by a blend of initial admiration, followed by critical reassessment, always deeply influenced by his own staunch beliefs and values. His writings provide insightful critiques and analyses of these poets, reflecting both his intellectual engagements with their works and the evolving nature of his relationships with them.

William Hazlitt addressed a variety of social issues in his essays and literary criticism, reflecting his keen observation of human nature and society. Some of the prominent social issues he explored include:

1. Political Reform and Liberty: Hazlitt was a staunch advocate for political reform. He supported the ideas of liberty and justice that were pivotal during and after the French Revolution. His essays often criticized oppressive government policies and were in favor of individual freedom and civil rights.

2. Class Inequality: Hazlitt’s works frequently touched upon issues of social and economic inequality. He was critical of the vast disparity between the rich and the poor, and his writings reflect his sympathy towards the struggles of the lower classes.

3. Art and Commercialism: Hazlitt valued art for its intrinsic qualities and was critical of the commercialization of art and literature. He believed that true art should reflect genuine human emotions and experiences, rather than conforming to market demands or superficial tastes.

4. Education: Hazlitt held progressive views on education, advocating for more accessible and comprehensive educational opportunities for all, regardless of social standing. He believed that education was critical in cultivating a well-informed and active citizenry.

5. Racism and Colonialism: While Hazlitt's views on race were complicated and could reflect some of the biases of his time, he also showed an awareness of the brutality of colonialism and slavery, particularly in his condemnations of the slave trade.

Through his critical essays, Hazlitt not only provided commentary on literature and art but also used his platform to discuss and critique these broader social issues, demonstrating his commitment to social justice and human rights.

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