"The Round Table" By William Hazlitt
In William Hazlitt's essay "The Round Table: 1817 (Revolution and Romanticism, 1789-1834)," the author delves into a profound examination of the relationship between revolution and romanticism during the period spanning from 1789 to 1834. Hazlitt elucidates the interconnectedness of these two phenomena, presenting a nuanced analysis that underscores the complex interplay of political upheaval and artistic expression.Central to Hazlitt's argument is the idea that revolution and romanticism are inexorably linked, each serving as a catalyst for the other's emergence and development. He posits that the spirit of revolution, born out of the tumultuous events of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, found its expression in the artistic and literary movements of romanticism. Hazlitt contends that the romantic impulse, characterized by its emphasis on individualism, emotion, and imagination, was a natural response to the revolutionary fervor that swept across Europe.Hazlitt explores the revolutionary ethos that permeated the cultural landscape of the time, highlighting the profound impact of events such as the French Revolution on the artistic sensibilities of the period. He suggests that the quest for liberty, equality, and fraternity, which defined the revolutionary ethos, resonated deeply with the romantic ideal of personal freedom and self-expression. Moreover, Hazlitt argues that the upheavals of the era engendered a sense of disillusionment with the established order, prompting artists and writers to seek solace and inspiration in the realms of imagination and creativity.Hazlitt's analysis extends beyond the political and social dimensions of revolution to encompass its cultural and aesthetic implications. He examines how the revolutionary fervor of the period influenced artistic movements such as romanticism, shaping the thematic concerns and stylistic innovations of writers and poets. Hazlitt suggests that the romantic preoccupation with themes of nature, the sublime, and the supernatural can be seen as a response to the upheavals of the age, offering a means of transcendence amidst the chaos and uncertainty of revolution.Moreover, Hazlitt explores the ways in which romanticism served as a vehicle for the expression of revolutionary ideals, providing a platform for dissent and subversion against the prevailing social and political order. He highlights the role of writers such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge in articulating the aspirations of the revolutionary movement through their poetry, which sought to challenge conventional norms and champion the cause of individual liberty and social justice.However, Hazlitt does not overlook the tensions and contradictions inherent in the relationship between revolution and romanticism. He acknowledges the darker aspects of romanticism, including its propensity for introspection and melancholy, which stand in stark contrast to the optimism and idealism of the revolutionary spirit. Hazlitt suggests that these tensions reflect the broader ambivalence of the age, as artists and intellectuals grappled with the conflicting impulses of revolution and reaction.In conclusion, William Hazlitt's essay "The Round Table: 1817 (Revolution and Romanticism, 1789-1834)" offers a compelling analysis of the intricate interplay between revolution and romanticism during a pivotal period in European history. Through his exploration of the cultural, aesthetic, and ideological dimensions of these phenomena, Hazlitt sheds light on the complex relationship between politics and art, illustrating how the spirit of revolution found its expression in the literature and poetry of the romantic era.