Sartor Resartus · Chapter
Incident in Modern History explained
The Editor introduces Teufelsdröckh's Clothes-Volume and his philosophy that all sensible phenomena are merely 'Raiment' for a celestial Essence.
What happens
The Editor introduces Teufelsdröckh's Clothes-Volume and his philosophy that all sensible phenomena are merely 'Raiment' for a celestial Essence. The chapter focuses on Teufelsdröckh's remarkable claim that the most significant incident in modern history is George Fox making himself a suit of leather. Fox, a shoemaker and founder of the Quakers, is portrayed as a prophet who, through silent agony and spiritual struggle, rejected worldly vanities and the Mammon-god to achieve true freedom. The Editor reflects on the absurdity and deeper intention of recommending such a 'perennial suit' to modern society, questioning whether Teufelsdröckh is serious or satirical.
Themes in this chapter
Clothing as Symbol
Fox's leather suit is presented as a radical rejection of societal 'rags' and a symbol of spiritual liberation and true individuality.
Spiritual Crisis and Faith
Fox's silent agony and wrestling with doubt, his turning from clergy to Bible and prayer, exemplify a profound spiritual crisis and quest for divine truth.
Critique of Society and Materialism
Teufelsdröckh criticizes 'Mammon-god,' 'Vanity's Workhouse and Ragfair,' and the clergy's empty rituals, advocating for a return to spiritual essence over material trappings.
Characters to notice
- Diogenes Teufelsdröckh
Author of the Clothes-Volume; presents George Fox's leather suit as the most remarkable incident in modern history.
- The Editor
Compiles and comments on Teufelsdröckh's work, questioning the practicality and intent of the Professor's ideas.
- George Fox
First of the Quakers; a shoemaker who made himself a suit of leather as an act of spiritual liberation from worldly constraints.
Key passages
“Perhaps the most remarkable incident in Modern History... is not the Diet of Worms, still less the Battle of Austerlitz, Waterloo, Peterloo, or any other Battle; but an incident passed carelessly over by most Historians... namely, George Fox's making to himself a suit of Leather.”
Teufelsdröckh claims that George Fox sewing a leather suit is more historically significant than famous political or military events.
Highlights the chapter's central argument that spiritual acts outweigh worldly power.
“Stitch away, thou noble Fox: every prick of that little instrument is pricking into the heart of Slavery, and World-worship, and the Mammon-god.”
Each stitch Fox makes is a blow against oppression, materialism, and idolatry of wealth.
Emphasizes the symbolic power of Fox's humble labor as an act of rebellion.
“Thus from the lowest depth there is a path to the loftiest height; and for the Poor also a Gospel has been published.”
Even the most humble person can achieve spiritual greatness, and salvation is available to all, including the poor.
Reflects the theme of spiritual equality and the possibility of transcendence.