Thomas Carlyle and His Works explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• The Role of the Poet and Writer

  Thoreau examines Carlyle's role as a literary man and critic, discussing his influence, his style, and his place in modern literature. He reflects on what it means to be a philosopher and writer, and how Carlyle's work provokes action rather than contemplation.

• Heroism and Moral Courage

  Thoreau highlights Carlyle's emphasis on moral courage, renunciation, and action, as seen in his discussion of 'The Everlasting No' and 'The Everlasting Yea.' Carlyle's hero Teüfelsdrock embodies defiance and the pursuit of truth despite personal cost.

• Individualism and Self-Reliance

  Thoreau notes Carlyle's insistence on individual duty and self-reliance, quoting maxims such as 'Do the duty which lies nearest thee' and emphasizing Carlyle's focus on personal action and integrity over systemic philosophy.

Characters to notice

• Thomas Carlyle

  Thoreau provides a detailed biography of Carlyle, discussing his birth in Ecclefechan, his education at Annan and Edinburgh, his literary career, and his residence in Chelsea, London. Thoreau critiques Carlyle's philosophy as lacking depth and calm contemplation, yet acknowledges his moral force and influence.

• Edward Irving

  Mentioned as a young teacher who inspired Carlyle at school and later became a close friend until his death. Thoreau refers to Irving as a 'freest, brotherliest, bravest human soul' and notes Carlyle's notice of his death in Fraser's Magazine.

• Emerson

  Noted as a visitor to Carlyle at Craigenputtock and as a continuing correspondent. Thoreau mentions Emerson in the context of Carlyle's biography and their ongoing relationship.

• Goethe

  Carlyle corresponded with Goethe, and Thoreau references this as part of Carlyle's intellectual connections.

• Homer

  Thoreau contrasts Homer's direct and confident communication with Carlyle's more indirect style, using Homer as an example of a world's worthy who speaks without suspicion.

• Shakespeare

  Mentioned alongside Homer as an example of a writer who speaks directly and confidently to readers, in contrast to Carlyle's approach.

Key passages

• “One Bible I know, of whose plenary inspiration doubt is not such much as possible; nay, with my own eyes I saw the God's hand writing it: thereof all other Bibles are but leaves.”

  Carlyle asserts that he knows one Bible whose divine inspiration is beyond doubt, having witnessed God's hand writing it himself, and that all other sacred texts are merely fragments of this one.

  Thoreau quotes this passage from 'The Everlasting Yea' to illustrate Carlyle's religious experience and his belief in a direct, personal revelation.

• “Truth! though the heavens crush me for following her: no falsehood! though a whole celestial Luberland were the price of apostacy.”

  Carlyle's hero declares he will pursue truth even if the heavens destroy him, and will never accept falsehood even if it means losing a paradise of lies.

  Thoreau uses this quote to show Carlyle's emphasis on moral courage and the rejection of falsehood, central to his philosophy of action.

• “It is only with renunciation that life, properly speaking, can be said to begin.”

  True life begins only when one accepts renunciation or self-denial.

  Thoreau cites this as one of Carlyle's elementary maxims, reflecting his focus on the necessity of sacrifice and duty.

• “Doubt of any sort cannot be removed except by action.”

  The only way to overcome doubt is through decisive action, not through further thought or speculation.

  Thoreau presents this as a key tenet of Carlyle's philosophy, emphasizing the primacy of action over contemplation.