William Hazlitt

Definition

William Hazlitt was an influential English essayist, critic, and philosopher, known for his passionate and personal writing style that epitomized the Romantic era's emphasis on individual experience and emotion. His works often explored themes such as human nature, art, and literature, reflecting the Romantic belief in the significance of personal perspective and emotional depth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hazlitt was born in 1778 and became a prominent figure in English literature during the early 19th century, particularly known for his essays published in collections such as 'Table Talk.'
2. His writing style combined personal reflection with sharp criticism, making his essays both informative and relatable to readers.
3. Hazlitt had a strong interest in Shakespeare and wrote extensively about his plays, helping to shape modern interpretations of Shakespearean literature.
4. He was an advocate for Romantic ideals, emphasizing the importance of individuality and emotional authenticity in art and literature.
5. Despite facing criticism during his lifetime, Hazlitt's works have gained recognition posthumously for their insight into human emotions and their literary merit.

Review Questions

• How did William Hazlitt's writing reflect the core values of Romanticism?
  • William Hazlitt's writing embodied the core values of Romanticism by emphasizing individual emotion and personal experience. His essays often delved into the complexities of human nature, showcasing how personal perspectives shaped one's understanding of art and literature. By prioritizing subjective experience over objective analysis, Hazlitt aligned himself with the Romantic belief in the power of emotions and individualism.
• What role did Hazlitt play in shaping literary criticism during the Romantic era?
  • William Hazlitt played a significant role in shaping literary criticism during the Romantic era through his innovative approach to essays. He combined personal narrative with critical analysis, making his critiques accessible and engaging. His work encouraged readers to connect emotionally with literature while providing thoughtful insights on writers like Shakespeare, thus influencing future generations of critics.
• Analyze how Hazlitt's emphasis on individuality in his essays contributes to our understanding of human emotions within Romantic literature.
  • William Hazlitt's emphasis on individuality in his essays is crucial for understanding human emotions in Romantic literature. By focusing on personal experiences and subjective interpretations, he illuminated the complexities of human feelings and relationships. This approach not only deepened readers' appreciation for emotional depth in art but also reinforced the Romantic ideal that individual perspectives are essential to fully grasping the human condition. Hazlitt's work highlights how personal experience shapes both creative expression and critical understanding in literature.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, reacting against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.

Essays: A form of writing where the author expresses personal views and reflections on a specific topic, which Hazlitt mastered through his engaging prose.

Criticism: The analysis and evaluation of literary works; Hazlitt was notable for his critiques of contemporary writers and artists.