Table-Talk · Chapter
On Vulgarity and Affectation explained
Hazlitt explores the intertwined nature of vulgarity and affectation, arguing that both stem from a lack of genuine self-worth and a reliance on external opinion.
What happens
Hazlitt explores the intertwined nature of vulgarity and affectation, arguing that both stem from a lack of genuine self-worth and a reliance on external opinion. He distinguishes true refinement from mere gentility, which he sees as a 'select and artificial kind of vulgarity,' and critiques those who define themselves by snobbery or imitation. Using examples from literature, theater, and social life, he defines vulgarity as the unthinking adoption of manners or opinions from others, whether from the crowd or the elite, and defends his own critical practice against accusations of vulgarity.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Pretension
Central theme: Hazlitt dissects how both the vulgar and the genteel define themselves through opposition, and argues that true refinement is independent of class.
Criticism and Critical Practice
Hazlitt defends his own critical method against accusations of vulgarity, arguing that judgment should be based on intrinsic qualities, not fashion or location.
The Psychology of Habit and Novelty
Explored through the discussion of how people adopt opinions and manners unthinkingly from their social group, whether from habit or the desire for novelty.
Characters to notice
- William Hazlitt
Author and narrator; presents his theory of vulgarity and affectation, defends his own dramatic criticisms, and critiques Janus Weathercock.
- Janus Weathercock
Hypercritic who condemned Hazlitt's dramatic criticisms as vulgar; used as an example of affected, snobbish taste.
- William Cobbett
Cited as an example of a coarse but not vulgar character, because he is original and not an imitator.
- Edmund Kean
Mentioned in the context of provincial versus London acclaim; Hazlitt suggests Janus would only admire Kean after London approval.
- Sir Walter Scott
Referenced as a baronet created by the king, but noted that no power could make another 'Author of Waverley'.
Key passages
“There cannot be a surer proof of a low origin or of an innate meanness of disposition than to be always talking and thinking of being genteel.”
Constantly striving to appear genteel is itself a sign of low origins or a base character.
Hazlitt's opening claim linking affectation to inherent vulgarity.
“Nothing is vulgar that is natural, spontaneous, unavoidable. Grossness is not vulgarity, ignorance is not vulgarity, awkwardness is not vulgarity; but all these become vulgar when they are affected and shown off on the authority of others, or to fall in with the fashion or the company we keep.”
Natural traits are never vulgar; vulgarity arises only when such traits are imitated or performed for social approval.
Key definition of vulgarity as affected imitation rather than inherent coarseness.
“To condemn because the multitude admire is as essentially vulgar as to admire because they admire.”
Rejecting something simply because the crowd likes it is just as vulgar as liking it because the crowd does.
Hazlitt's critique of snobbish reverse-snobbery, directed at Janus Weathercock.