The Definition and Characterization of the Poet in William Hazlitts My Firsy Acquaintance with Poets

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The Definition and Characterization of the Poet in William Hazlitt’s My First Acquaintance with Poets Literature is often able to reveal more about the author than the subject matter they speak of. Much of the literature of the later Romantic period was focused on looking back to the First Generation poets and their work. However, in many cases, they were using these references to their predecessors to assist in illustrating their own points. Although they were borrowing from the past, the interpretation was new and inventive. In William Hazlitt’s My First Acquaintance with Poets, Hazlitt describes his encounters with Samuel Coleridge and William Wordsworth. Hazlitt uses this literary essay to characterize the figure of the poet and, in turn, make a generalization of the poet’s role in society. His characterization of the poetic figure reveals his own thoughts on what a poet’s role in society is. Hazlitt’s praise of Coleridge and Wordsworth positions the poet as possessing a rare ability to see the truth. However, his depictions of real-life accounts with Coleridge and Wordsworth, although appearing as criticisms, are carefully placed in order to humanize the poet. It is the human qualities possessed by the poets which although the powerful feelings that inspire their work. Also, Hazlitt is able to say a lot about himself through the characterization of the poet. In addition to this, by establishing the figure of the poet within society, Hazlitt is defining himself within society, as he was a poet, as well as lending authenticity to his work. Hazlitt’s definition and characterization of the poet within My First Acquaintance with Poets are more reflective of his own thoughts about the role of the poet within society, as opposed to accurate portrayals of Coleridge and Wordsworth themselves. Because these accounts are being filtered through one
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