William Hazlitt

Definition

William Hazlitt was an English essayist, critic, and painter, known for his brilliant writings during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His work captures the essence of Romanticism through his emphasis on individual experience, emotion, and a deep appreciation for nature and art. Hazlitt's essays are celebrated for their keen observations and profound insights into human nature, making him a significant figure in Romantic literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hazlitt was an advocate for the importance of individual experience in art and literature, arguing that personal feelings should guide creative expression.
2. He wrote extensively about Shakespeare and was a significant contributor to the understanding of the playwright's works during the Romantic era.
3. Hazlitt's essays often reflect a deep engagement with contemporary politics and social issues, providing insightful commentary on the world around him.
4. He believed that great literature should evoke strong emotions in readers, connecting them to their own experiences and feelings.
5. Hazlitt's work has influenced many writers and thinkers after him, establishing him as a key figure in the evolution of modern literary criticism.

Review Questions

• How did William Hazlitt's perspective on individual experience shape his contributions to Romantic literature?
  • William Hazlitt's perspective on individual experience played a crucial role in shaping his contributions to Romantic literature. He emphasized that personal emotions and unique perspectives should inform creative expression, which resonated with the core values of Romanticism. This focus on individualism allowed Hazlitt to create essays that not only reflected his thoughts but also connected deeply with readers by inviting them to explore their own feelings and experiences.
• Analyze how Hazlitt's essays reflect his views on the relationship between art and emotion within the context of Romanticism.
  • In Hazlitt's essays, he articulates a strong belief that art should evoke emotion and connect with the audience on a personal level. He argues that genuine artistic expression stems from authentic emotional experiences, aligning with Romantic ideals that prioritize feeling over rationality. By exploring themes of nature, beauty, and human connection in his writings, Hazlitt illustrates how art can serve as a powerful means of communication between the artist and the audience, reinforcing the emotional depth central to Romanticism.
• Evaluate Hazlitt's impact on literary criticism and how it has influenced modern understandings of literature today.
  • William Hazlitt significantly impacted literary criticism by advocating for subjective interpretations of literature based on individual emotional responses. His approach laid the groundwork for modern literary criticism by emphasizing the importance of personal connection to texts. This shift towards viewing literature as a reflection of human experience continues to influence contemporary criticism, allowing readers to engage with texts in more personal and meaningful ways while recognizing the broader cultural and historical contexts from which they arise.

Related terms

Romanticism:

A literary and artistic movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature, often as a reaction against the industrial revolution and rationalism.

Essays: Short pieces of writing that express the author's viewpoint or arguments on various subjects, often characterized by personal reflection and analysis.

Criticism: The analysis and judgment of literary works, which can encompass interpretation, evaluation, and contextual understanding of texts.