On the Art of Writing · Chapter
Lecture VIII: On the Lineage of English Literature (I) explained
In this lecture, the speaker argues that understanding English literary lineage is essential for writers, as it provides a spur to noble conduct and a guard against national defects.
What happens
In this lecture, the speaker argues that understanding English literary lineage is essential for writers, as it provides a spur to noble conduct and a guard against national defects. He critiques the academic trend of focusing on linguistic continuity over literary essence, citing Cardinal Newman's view of a single, enduring civilisation. The speaker also examines the overpraising of Beowulf, contrasting it with Homer's superior art, and calls for a return to the study of literature as a living art.
Themes in this chapter
Literary Lineage and Tradition
The central theme of the lecture: the importance of knowing one's literary ancestry as a spur to noble writing and a guard against national defects.
Education and University Role
The speaker critiques the current academic study of literature for focusing on linguistic continuity rather than the essence of literature.
Literature as a Living Art
The lecture argues for studying literature as an art to be practised, not merely as a historical or philological subject.
Characters to notice
- Cardinal Newman
Quoted at length on the enduring bond of a common civilisation in literature.
- Gray
Mentioned for his letter on the history of English poetry, cited in Dr. Courthope's work.
- Professor Freeman
Referenced for his influence on literary ancestry studies and his contentious manner.
- Beowulf
Discussed as an Old English epic, with opinions on its merit and overpraise.
- Homer
Contrasted with Beowulf, cited for his superior depiction of a fallen warrior.
- Wordsworth
Quoted on the tongue that Shakespeare spake and the faith and morals Milton held.
- Shakespeare
Invoked in Wordsworth's quote as a touchstone of English language and literature.
- Milton
Invoked in Wordsworth's quote as a touchstone of English faith and morals.
Key passages
“a man will often do more to match his father's virtue than he would to improve himself”
People are often more motivated to live up to their ancestors' good qualities than to better themselves on their own.
The speaker uses this to justify studying literary lineage as an incentive for noble writing.
“We must be free or die, who speak the tongue That Shakespeare spake; the faith and morals hold Which Milton held.”
We who speak English like Shakespeare and hold the beliefs of Milton must be free or die.
Quoted from Wordsworth to emphasise the deep connection between language, faith, and national identity.
“our first duty to Literature is to study it absolutely, to understand, in Aristotelian phrase, its τὀ τἱ ἧν εἷναι ; what it is and what it means.”
Our primary responsibility to literature is to study it for its own sake, to grasp its essential nature and purpose.
The speaker reiterates a key point from his inaugural lecture, advocating for a focus on literary essence over historical details.
