Thomas Carlyle – On Heroes, Hero-Worship and the Heroic in History
Lecture III: “The Hero as Poet” (Shakespeare)
Lecture III of Thomas Carlyle’s On Heroes, Hero-Worship and the Heroic in History (1841) presents the Poet as a Hero. Carlyle discusses Dante and William Shakespeare, placing special emphasis on Shakespeare as the supreme poetic hero of the modern world.
For Carlyle, poets are not mere entertainers; they are seers who reveal truth and shape the spiritual life of humanity.
Concept of the “Hero as Poet”
Carlyle defines the poet as:
- a visionary
- a truth-teller
- an interpreter of human experience
The poet-hero expresses what others feel but cannot articulate. Poetry, for Carlyle, is the highest form of truth.
Why Carlyle Chooses Shakespeare
Carlyle considers Shakespeare:
- the greatest poet of modern times
- a universal genius
- a complete and balanced human spirit
Unlike Dante, who represents a specific medieval worldview, Shakespeare represents humanity in its totality.
Shakespeare as a Universal Genius
According to Carlyle, Shakespeare’s greatness lies in his:
- comprehensive understanding of human nature
- ability to portray all classes and temperaments
- freedom from dogma and ideology
Shakespeare does not preach; he reveals.
His characters feel real because they are rooted in deep psychological truth.
Impersonality of Shakespeare
Carlyle highlights Shakespeare’s remarkable impersonality.
Shakespeare:
- does not impose personal opinions
- allows characters to speak for themselves
- remains invisible behind his creations
This self-effacement makes Shakespeare a pure medium of truth.
Shakespeare vs Other Poets
Carlyle contrasts Shakespeare with:
- Dante – intense, moral, dogmatic
- Milton – intellectual and theological
Shakespeare, however:
- embraces contradictions
- accepts complexity
- represents life without judgment
Shakespeare’s tolerance makes him modern.
Naturalness and Spontaneity
Carlyle praises Shakespeare’s:
- natural language
- ease of expression
- absence of artificial ornament
His poetry flows effortlessly, suggesting instinctive genius rather than laborious construction.
Shakespeare as National Hero
Carlyle calls Shakespeare:
- the spiritual ruler of England
- a greater force than kings or politicians
Shakespeare unites the nation through imagination.
His influence shapes moral perception more powerfully than laws or institutions.
Hero-Worship and Shakespeare
Carlyle argues that hero-worship of Shakespeare is justified because:
- he reveals eternal truths
- he elevates human consciousness
- he embodies sincerity and greatness
Worship of such heroes strengthens culture and moral awareness.
Major Themes
- Poet as Hero – poet reveals truth
- Universality – representation of all humanity
- Impersonality – absence of authorial ego
- Truth and Sincerity – core of greatness
- Hero-Worship – cultural necessity
Style of Carlyle’s Criticism
- oratorical prose
- passionate admiration
- moral seriousness
- aphoristic statements
Carlyle’s criticism is inspirational rather than analytical.
Critical Appreciation
- Carlyle elevates literary criticism to moral philosophy.
- His Shakespeare is idealised but powerful.
- The lecture shaped Victorian views of genius.
- Hero-worship is presented as cultural renewal.
Significance of Lecture III
- defines Romantic-Victorian idea of genius
- establishes Shakespeare as supreme poet-hero
- connects literature with moral leadership
- influences later literary criticism
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | Thomas Carlyle |
| Work | On Heroes, Hero-Worship and the Heroic in History |
| Lecture | Lecture III – The Hero as Poet |
| Hero Discussed | William Shakespeare |
| Core Idea | Poet as revealer of truth |
| Key Quality | Universality and impersonality |
| Critical Approach | Moral-philosophical |
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