# Incident in Modern History explained — Sartor Resartus

> Chapter companion for Sartor Resartus by Thomas Carlyle.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sartor_resartus_se/chapters/i-incident-in-modern-history
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sartor_resartus_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sartor_resartus_se/chapters