William Hazlitt as an essayist

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Introduction

William Hazlitt was one of the greatest English essayists and critics of the nineteenth century. He was born on 10 April 1778 in Maidstone, Kent, and he died on 18 September 1830 in London. Hazlitt is remembered for his essays, literary criticism, and lectures, which showed his deep understanding of human nature, literature, and art. His writings are marked by honesty, passion, and clarity. He had a sharp eye for detail and a strong belief in individual freedom, which made his works influential during his time and valuable even today.

Early Life and Education

William Hazlitt was the son of a Unitarian minister. His family moved often because of his father’s religious duties, and young Hazlitt grew up in several towns in England. He was educated at home at first, and later he attended the New College at Hackney, a school for training ministers. However, Hazlitt did not wish to become a minister like his father. He was more interested in philosophy, art, and literature.

During his early years, Hazlitt was strongly influenced by philosophers such as John Locke and David Hume. He also admired the works of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, which shaped his thoughts on individual freedom and human emotion. His deep interest in philosophy later appeared in his essays and criticism, where he combined thought with observation.

Career as a Writer and Critic

Hazlitt began his career with ambitions to become a painter, and he studied art for some time. Although he had talent, he eventually realized that writing was his true calling. He turned to literature and began publishing essays, reviews, and articles.

His first important work was An Essay on the Principles of Human Action (1805), in which he discussed philosophy and the nature of human will. This book showed his early interest in psychology and ethics, though it did not bring him much recognition.

Hazlitt’s real fame came from his essays and lectures. He wrote for newspapers, magazines, and periodicals, contributing to The Examiner, The Edinburgh Review, and The London Magazine. His essays were later collected in volumes such as Table Talk (1821–1822), The Spirit of the Age (1825), and The Plain Speaker (1826). These essays dealt with literature, politics, art, philosophy, and everyday life, written in a style that was lively, personal, and full of energy.

Major Works

One of Hazlitt’s most famous works is The Spirit of the Age, a collection of essays about leading writers, thinkers, and politicians of his time. In this book, Hazlitt gave vivid portraits of figures such as William Wordsworth, Lord Byron, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Sir Walter Scott. His honesty made the book remarkable, as he praised their genius but also criticized their weaknesses.

Another important work is Table Talk, which includes essays on a wide range of topics, such as the pleasures of painting, the nature of conversation, and the love of life. These essays reveal Hazlitt’s ability to combine personal reflection with universal ideas.

Hazlitt also wrote lectures on the English poets, the English comic writers, and Elizabethan drama. His lectures on Shakespeare remain highly regarded, as he captured the greatness of Shakespeare’s characters and plays with insight and enthusiasm.

In addition, Hazlitt wrote Characters of Shakespeare’s Plays (1817), in which he offered detailed analysis of the characters and themes of Shakespeare’s works. This book helped to establish his reputation as one of the best critics of Shakespeare.

Themes in Hazlitt’s Writings

Several themes appear throughout Hazlitt’s writings. One major theme is individual freedom. Hazlitt believed that every person should have the right to express themselves and live without oppression. He often criticized social injustice and hypocrisy.

Another theme is the complexity of human nature. Hazlitt explored the contradictions within people, showing how emotions, desires, and weaknesses shape human behavior. His essays often reflected his keen psychological insight.

Hazlitt also focused on the importance of art and literature. He believed that literature reveals the truth of human experience and that criticism should be honest, thoughtful, and passionate. His writings on Shakespeare, poetry, and painting reveal his deep appreciation for creativity and imagination.

Finally, Hazlitt often celebrated the simple pleasures of life, such as friendship, conversation, and the beauty of nature. His essays are filled with a love for life, despite his personal struggles.

Style and Technique

William Hazlitt’s style was clear, direct, and powerful. He did not hide his emotions or opinions, and he often wrote with passion and energy. His essays combined philosophy, criticism, and personal reflection, which made them rich and engaging.

He had a gift for vivid description, especially when writing about people. His portraits of contemporary writers in The Spirit of the Age are memorable because he captured their character with honesty and sharp observation.

Hazlitt also used a conversational style, making his essays accessible to readers. Unlike some critics who wrote in a formal or distant manner, Hazlitt spoke directly to his audience, which gave his works warmth and immediacy.

Influence and Legacy

William Hazlitt had a strong influence on later essayists and critics. Writers such as Charles Lamb, Leigh Hunt, and Thomas De Quincey were his contemporaries, and they admired his essays. Later Victorian essayists and critics also drew inspiration from his work.

His critical writings on Shakespeare influenced generations of scholars and readers. His essays on literature, art, and philosophy remain valuable because of their honesty and depth.

Although Hazlitt faced difficulties in his lifetime, including financial troubles and harsh criticism from some quarters, his reputation has grown steadily since his death. Today, he is regarded as one of the finest English essayists, ranking alongside figures such as Francis Bacon and Charles Lamb.

Personal Life and Struggles

Hazlitt’s personal life was filled with difficulties. He faced financial problems throughout his career, as writing did not bring steady income. His marriage ended in separation, and he had troubled relationships afterward.

He also struggled with depression and feelings of isolation. Despite these challenges, he continued to write with honesty and passion. His personal struggles often gave his essays a deeper emotional truth, as he wrote not only from intellect but also from lived experience.

Conclusion

William Hazlitt was a brilliant essayist, critic, and thinker who captured the spirit of his age with honesty and imagination. His works, such as The Spirit of the Age, Table Talk, and Characters of Shakespeare’s Plays, reveal his love of literature, his insight into human nature, and his belief in individual freedom. His style, which was direct, passionate, and personal, made his essays engaging and memorable. Though he faced hardships in his life, his writings have left a lasting legacy in English literature. Hazlitt’s voice continues to inspire readers and reminds us that the power of the essay lies in truth, reflection, and the courage to speak one’s mind.

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