Shakespeare, Milton, and Homer

Name: Shakespeare, Milton, and Homer
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work presents a comparative analysis of three monumental figures in literature: Shakespeare, Milton, and Homer. It posits that Shakespeare embodies an omnipresent creative force, akin to a Spinosistic deity, whose poetry transcends personal identity, allowing for a universal resonance in his characters and themes. His use of rhythm and verse is highlighted, emphasizing the seamless flow and inherent musicality that defines his work. In contrast, Milton is portrayed as a figure of prescience, operating from an external vantage point, crafting his narratives with a distinct personal imprint. His poetry, particularly in "Paradise Lost," is characterized by a strong sense of individual presence, where the author's voice is unmistakably woven into the fabric of the text. Homer is discussed as a collective representation of the Iliad's rhapsodies, suggesting that the name signifies a tradition rather than a singular author. The analysis argues that while Homer’s characters are consistent and traditional, they lack the subjective depth found in Shakespeare's creations. The work asserts that the Homeric narrative is devoid of personal subjectivity, contrasting sharply with the subjective experiences embedded in Milton's and Shakespeare's writings. The text further explores the nature of character consistency across different literary traditions, suggesting that similar narrative structures could be constructed from various cultural mythologies, such as Arthurian legends or Spanish romances. This comparison underscores the idea that while characters may be archetypal and consistent, the depth of individual subjectivity varies significantly among these literary giants. Overall, the analysis serves to delineate the unique contributions of each author to the literary canon, emphasizing the interplay between personal identity, creative expression, and the construction of character within their respective works.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1893 · Genre: Literary Criticism, Poetry, Philosophy · 622 words

First lines

Shakspeare is the Spinosistic deity -- an omnipresent creativeness. Milton is the deity of prescience; he stands _ab extra_, and drives a fiery chariot and four, making the horses feel the iron curb which holds them in. Shakspeare's poetry is characterless; that is, it does not reflect the individual Shakspeare; but John Milton himself is in every line of the Paradise Lost. Shakspeare's rhymed verses are excessively condensed, -- epigrams with the point every where; but in his blank dramatic verse he is diffused, with a linked sweetness long drawn out. No one can understand Shakspeare's superiority fully until he has ascertained, by comparison, all that which he possessed in common with several other great dramatists of his age, and has then calculated the surplus which is entirely Shakspeare's own. His rhythm is so perfect, that you may be almost sure that you do not understand the real force of a line, if it does not run well as you read it. The necessary mental pause after every hemistich or imperfect line is always equal to the time that would have been taken in reading the complete verse.

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Shakespeare, Milton, and Homer is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1893 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1893 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Criticism, Poetry, Philosophy, Drama, History
Length: 622 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Literary Criticism — The work analyzes and critiques the literary styles and contributions of Shakespeare, Milton, and Homer.
Poetry — The text discusses poetic forms and techniques, particularly in relation to the works of the mentioned authors.
Philosophy — The exploration of themes such as creativity, subjectivity, and the nature of artistic expression reflects philosophical inquiry.
Drama — The analysis includes references to dramatic characters and structures, particularly in Shakespeare's works.