# On Criticism explained — Table-Talk

> Chapter companion for Table-Talk by William Hazlitt.

## What happens

Hazlitt explores the nature and evolution of criticism, contrasting insipid praise with dogmatic condemnation. He critiques modern critics who prioritize self-display over justice to authors, and laments the political and partisan corruption of literary judgment. He also contrasts the superficial formalism of earlier criticism with a more genuine criticism that reflects the soul and body of a work.

## Themes in this chapter

### Criticism and Critical Practice

Hazlitt examines the evolution of criticism from simple opinion-giving to self-aggrandizing analysis, and contrasts genuine criticism with formalist or partisan approaches.

### Institutional Corruption and Esprit de Corps

The chapter highlights how political and party loyalties corrupt literary criticism, turning it into a tool for proscription and personal attack.

### Fame, Reputation, and Public Opinion

Hazlitt discusses how critics can destroy an author's reputation through malicious reviews, and how public opinion is swayed by dogmatic assertions.

## Character check-ins

### William Hazlitt

The author and narrator, reflecting on the state of criticism.

### John Milton

Mentioned as an author whose 'Paradise Lost' baffled formalist critics.

### Sir Joshua Reynolds

Referenced indirectly through the discussion of connoisseurs and mechanical criticism of art.

### William Shakespeare

Quoted ('such sweet thunder') and alluded to in the discussion of genuine criticism.

### Samuel Johnson

Referenced as 'Justice Woodcock' in a simile about critics' morbid pretensions.

### Sir William

Mentioned in the context of 'Sir Walter Scott' as an example of a writer with a reputation to lose.

## Key lines

> A genuine criticism should, as I take it, reflect the colours, the light and shade, the soul and body of a work

True criticism should capture the essence and emotional impact of a work, not just its formal structure.

_Hazlitt defines his ideal of criticism as holistic and empathetic, in contrast to mechanical analysis._

> The first are frequently actuated by personal friendship, the last by all the virulence of party spirit.

Some critics are motivated by personal bias, others by political partisanship.

_Hazlitt distinguishes between two corrupting influences on criticism: personal favoritism and political malice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/table_talk_se/chapters/volume-ii-on-criticism
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/table_talk_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/table_talk_se/chapters