Sicily and Malta

Name: Sicily and Malta
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work presents a critical examination of Sicily and Malta, focusing on the political and social conditions of both regions. The author observes that travelers often exaggerate aspects of Sicily, except for the incompetence of its government and the suffering of its people, which are stark realities. The narrative highlights the absurdity of Sicilian governance, particularly the ineffectiveness of its legislative assembly, which proposed nonsensical laws that would further entrench economic difficulties. The author critiques the taxation system imposed on Sicilians, arguing that taxation is only justifiable in a context of free economic circulation, which is absent in Sicily. The author contrasts the situation in Malta, describing it as morally corrupt upon British takeover, with widespread social decay and a lack of integrity among its leadership. The narrative recounts the challenges faced by Sir Alexander Ball, the Civil Commissioner, in reforming Malta, likening the task to cleaning an Augean stable. The author emphasizes the need for local governance, suggesting that Maltese officials should replace English officers in most positions to foster better relations with the populace. The work ultimately serves as a commentary on colonial governance, the complexities of political economy, and the moral responsibilities of rulers towards the governed.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1830 · Genre: Travel Literature, Political Commentary, Historical Analysis · 800 words

First lines

I found that every thing in and about Sicily had been exaggerated by travellers, except two things -- the folly of the government and the wretchedness of the people. _They_ did not admit of exaggeration.

Really you may learn the fundamental principles of political economy in a very compendious way, by taking a short tour through Sicily, and simply reversing in your own mind every law, custom, and ordinance you meet with. I never was in a country in which every thing proceeding from man was so exactly wrong. You have peremptory ordinances _against_ making roads, taxes on the passage of common vegetables from one miserable village to another, and so on.

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Sicily and Malta is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1830 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1830 CE
Language: English
Genres: Travel Literature, Political Commentary, Historical Analysis, Social Critique, Philosophical Essay
Length: 800 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Travel Literature — The book provides a personal account of the author's observations and experiences while traveling through Sicily and Malta.
Political Commentary — It critiques the political and economic conditions of Sicily and Malta, reflecting on governance and societal issues.
Historical Analysis — The text discusses historical contexts and events related to the governance and societal structures of the regions.
Social Critique — It examines the social conditions and moral corruption of the people in Malta, highlighting issues of class and morality.