On the Art of Writing · Chapter
Lecture IX: On the Lineage of English Literature (II) explained
The lecturer argues for the essential role of classical Greek and Latin authors in shaping English literature, emphasizing that they correct insularity, broaden literary enjoyment beyond the written word, and conserve the norm of literature
What happens
The lecturer argues for the essential role of classical Greek and Latin authors in shaping English literature, emphasizing that they correct insularity, broaden literary enjoyment beyond the written word, and conserve the norm of literature. He traces the lineage of English poetry and prose from the Provençal Troubadours through Chaucer, Wyat, the Elizabethans, Milton, Dryden, Pope, and the Romantics, asserting that English writers have repeatedly refreshed themselves at Mediterranean wells. He defends the Latin Vulgate and classical heritage against nativist views, while clarifying he does not despise English linguistic descent or northern influences.
Themes in this chapter
Literary Lineage and Tradition
The lecture traces the descent of English literature from classical Greek and Latin authors through the Troubadours, Chaucer, and the Elizabethans, arguing for a continuous Mediterranean influence.
Education and University Role
The lecturer addresses Cambridge students, advocating for the study of classical authors as essential to writing English, and critiques the prevailing teaching of English literature.
Literature and Life
The argument that classical authors correct insularity and broaden literary enjoyment beyond the written word ties literature to a fuller, more integrated life.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The lecturer, speaking in first person, delivers the argument for classical influence on English literature.
- Chaucer
Cited as having an initial and enormous debt to Dante and Boccaccio, and as part of the lineage of English literature.
- Shakespeare
Included among the great English writers; his dramatis personae noted for Italian and Roman names.
- Milton
Described as preparing himself to be a poet by modelling sonnets on the Horatian Ode, and as a Latin Secretary writing verse.
- Homer
Ranked first among three essential texts for teaching English literature, holding the norm and secret of all literature.
- Wordsworth
Mentioned as part of the great English poets and for his debt to France of the early Revolution.
- Keats
Noted for drawing from Lemprière and as part of the Romantic revival.
- Tennyson
Cited for working upon Theocritus, Virgil, and Catullus.
Key passages
“I should choose the Bible in our Authorised Version, Shakespeare, and Homer (though it were but in a prose translation).”
If limited to three texts for teaching English literature, the lecturer would select the King James Bible, Shakespeare, and Homer (even in translation).
Highlights the lecturer's prioritization of classical and biblical foundations over purely English works.
“Chaucer’s initial and enormous debt to Dante and Boccaccio stands in as little dispute as Dunbar’s to Chaucer.”
Chaucer's heavy reliance on Dante and Boccaccio is as uncontroversial as Dunbar's reliance on Chaucer.
Illustrates the chain of literary influence from Italian to English poetry.
“I am not persuading you to despise your linguistic descent. English is English—our language; and all its history to be venerated by us.”
The lecturer clarifies he does not advocate for disregarding the English language or its history.
Defends against potential accusations of anti-English bias while promoting classical study.
