Charles Lamb: A Master of the Essay
Charles Lamb (1775-1834) was one of the greatest essayists in English literature. His Essays of Elia, a collection of personal essays published in two volumes in 1823 and 1833, are considered classics of the genre. Lamb’s essays are known for their charm, humor, and insight into the human condition. He wrote about a wide range of subjects, from his childhood memories to his love of literature and the arts.
Lamb was born in London, England, and attended Christ’s Hospital, a charity school where he met his lifelong friend Samuel Taylor Coleridge. After leaving school, Lamb worked as a clerk at the East India House for over 30 years. He also wrote extensively during this time, publishing poetry, prose, and plays.
In 1796, Lamb’s sister, Mary, suffered a mental breakdown and killed their mother. Lamb took care of his sister for the rest of their lives. He also became a close friend of William Wordsworth, Dorothy Wordsworth, and other Romantic poets.
Lamb’s essays are characterized by their gentle humor, their love of language, and their appreciation of the simple things in life. He wrote about his everyday experiences in a way that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. In essays such as “Dream-Children: A Reverie” and “Old China,” Lamb reflects on his childhood and the importance of family and tradition. In essays such as “A Dissertation upon Roast Pig” and “The Praise of Chimney-Sweepers,” he celebrates the simple pleasures of life. And in essays such as “Detached Slips of Criticism” and “On the Genius and Character of Hogarth,” he shares his thoughts on literature and art.
One of the most distinctive features of Lamb’s essays is his use of the persona of Elia. Elia is a gentle and reflective man who loves to wander the streets of London and observe the people around him. He is also a keen observer of human nature and a lover of literature and the arts. The Elia persona allows Lamb to explore a wide range of subjects in a personal and engaging way.
Lamb’s essays have had a profound influence on subsequent generations of writers. His work has been praised by such diverse writers as William Hazlitt, Virginia Woolf, and George Orwell. Hazlitt wrote that Lamb was “the most original and delightful of modern essayists.” Woolf called him “one of the most original and creative writers in the English language.” And Orwell wrote that Lamb was “the best essayist in the English language.”
Here is a closer look at some of Lamb’s most famous essays:
- “Dream-Children: A Reverie” is a poignant reflection on Lamb’s childhood and the loss of his parents. In the essay, Lamb imagines two children that he might have had if he had married. The essay is a celebration of the power of the imagination and the importance of family.
- “Old China” is a nostalgic essay about Lamb’s love of old china and the memories it evokes. In the essay, Lamb reflects on the importance of tradition and the passage of time.
- “A Dissertation upon Roast Pig” is a humorous essay about the origins of roast pig. In the essay, Lamb uses wit and satire to explore the nature of human curiosity and the search for new experiences.
- “The Praise of Chimney-Sweepers” is a celebration of the simple pleasures of life. In the essay, Lamb praises the chimney sweepers for their cheerfulness and their ability to find joy in their work.
- “Detached Slips of Criticism” is a collection of Lamb’s thoughts on literature and art. In the essay, Lamb discusses a wide range of topics, including the importance of imagination in literature and the genius of William Hogarth.
Lamb’s essays are a treasure trove of wit, wisdom, and insight. They offer readers a glimpse into the mind of one of the most original and delightful writers in the English language. If you are looking for essays that are both entertaining and thought-provoking, I highly recommend reading Charles Lamb’s Essays of Elia.
Conclusion
Charles Lamb was a master of the essay. His Essays of Elia are classics of the genre and have had a profound influence on subsequent generations of writers. Lamb’s essays are known for their charm, humor, and insight into the human condition. He wrote about a wide range of subjects, from his childhood memories to his love of literature and the arts. If you are looking for essays that are both entertaining and thought-provoking, I highly recommend reading Charles Lamb’s Essays of Elia.