On the Art of Writing · Chapter
Lecture I: Inaugural explained
The inaugural lecture establishes the foundational principles for studying literature as a living art and the English language as a living tongue.
What happens
The inaugural lecture establishes the foundational principles for studying literature as a living art and the English language as a living tongue. The speaker argues that literature is an art to be practised, not merely pondered, and emphasizes the importance of cultivating sensibility and critical judgment over rote memorization. He warns against confusing the pedagogic mind with the scholarly, criticizes critics who misplace works of art into inappropriate categories, and lays down the first principle of approaching a work of genius absolutely, with openness to the author's intent. The lecture concludes by deferring a fourth principle to a later session, while addressing potential suspicions about aesthetic chatter and the difficulty of the task.
Themes in this chapter
Literature as a Living Art
The speaker emphasizes that literature is an art to be practised, not merely studied, and that English is a living language to be kept alive and supple.
Precision and Clarity
The speaker advocates for plain terms in criticism and warns against loose talk, aiming for definite meaning to advance true criticism.
Education and University Role
The lecture outlines the role of the university in cultivating sensibility and critical judgment, distinguishing the scholarly from the pedagogic mind.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The speaker delivering the inaugural lecture, setting forth principles for the study of literature.
- Carlyle
Quoted for his explosive demand comparing Shakespeare to India.
- Samuel Johnson
Cited for his definition of poetry and his comment on Gray's 'Elegy'.
- Wordsworth
Referenced for his phrase 'feel that we are greater than we know' and as an example of expressing common feelings.
- Dr. Courthope
Criticized for his method of judging plays as if they were meant to be read rather than performed.
- Gray
Mentioned in connection with Johnson's praise of his 'Elegy'.
Key passages
“As Literature is an Art and therefore not to be pondered only, but practised, so ours is a living language and therefore to be kept alive, supple, active in all honourable use.”
Literature is an art that requires active practice, not just contemplation, and our language must be maintained as a vibrant, flexible tool for all worthy purposes.
This encapsulates the core argument for treating literature as a dynamic, living practice.
“But the very hope of this Chair, Sir (as I conceive it), relies on the courage of the young.”
The future of this professorship depends on the boldness and innovation of younger generations.
The speaker appeals to the youth to embrace the living nature of literature.
“I would say to you, Gentlemen, 'Believe, and be glad that Literature and the English tongue are both alive.'”
I urge you to take heart and rejoice that both literature and the English language are still vibrant and evolving.
A direct exhortation to the audience to embrace the vitality of their subject.
“In sum, if the great authors never oppress ... in young minds by an elder one, that their zeal may be encouraged, their tastes directed, their vision cleared, quickened, enlarged—this, I take it, no man of experience will deny.”
In short, if the great authors never overwhelm young minds, but instead an older guide encourages their enthusiasm, directs their tastes, and clarifies and expands their vision, no experienced person would dispute this benefit.
The speaker outlines the ideal role of a teacher in guiding students' literary development.
