Monday, August 12, 2019
Biography of Thomas Carlyle:
Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) was a Scottish philosopher, essayist, historian, satirist, and lecturer who played a significant role in the Victorian literary and intellectual scene. He is best known for his works on history, social criticism, and biographies.
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| Biography of Thomas Carlyle |
Here is a brief biography of Thomas Carlyle:
Early Life of Thomas Carlyle:
1. Birth: Thomas Carlyle was born on December 4, 1795, in Ecclefechan, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
2. Family Background: He came from a modest background, and his parents were strict Calvinists.
Education:
1. Carlyle attended the University of Edinburgh, where he studied mathematics.
2. He later abandoned his plans to become a minister due to a crisis of faith.
Thomas Carlyle's Teaching Career:
1. Carlyle worked as a teacher and tutor, including a position as a mathematics teacher at Annan Academy.
2. During this period, he continued his intellectual pursuits and began contributing articles to various publications.
Marriage:
1. In 1826, Carlyle married Jane Baillie Welsh, a writer and intellectual.
2. Their marriage, marked by intellectual exchange, was complex, with both periods of closeness and strain.
Literary Career:
1. Early Works: Carlyle began his literary career with articles on German literature and translations of German works.
2. "Sartor Resartus" (1833–1834): This philosophical novel, which means "The Tailor Re-tailored," is one of Carlyle's notable early works. It explores themes of clothing, society, and spiritual renewal.
3. "The French Revolution: A History" (1837): A groundbreaking historical work that focused on the French Revolution, blending fact and fiction in a dramatic narrative.
4. "On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History" (1841): In this series of lectures, Carlyle explores the concept of heroism and the impact of influential individuals on history.
Later Years of Thomas Carlyle:
1. Carlyle continued to write extensively on historical and political themes.
2. He wrote biographies of notable figures such as Oliver Cromwell and Frederick the Great.
Social and Political Views:
1. Carlyle was critical of the industrialization and capitalism of the Victorian era, expressing concerns about its impact on society.
2. He was influential in shaping the ideas of the time and had an impact on figures like John Stuart Mill and Charles Dickens.
Later Works:
1. "The History of Friedrich II of Prussia, Called Frederick the Great" (1858–1865): A multi-volume biography of Frederick the Great, one of Carlyle's major later works.
Death of Thomas Carlyle:
Thomas Carlyle died on February 5, 1881, in London, England, at the age of 85.
Legacy:
1. Carlyle's writings had a profound impact on Victorian thought and literature.
2. His unique literary style, characterized by intense, emotive prose, had a lasting influence on subsequent writers.
3. Carlyle's emphasis on the importance of heroes and his critique of industrial society left a mark on the intellectual and cultural debates of his time.
While Thomas Carlyle's ideas and style fell out of favor in the 20th century, his contributions to literature, history, and social criticism are recognized for their significance in shaping the intellectual landscape of the Victorian era.