Question

what does william hazlit shares in his work my first acquaintance with the poets

Answer 1

Answer:

In the present article, I will argue that William Hazlitt has a contradictory behavior in using poetry and poetic elements in his essays, mixing them with his prosaic elements, while undermining the former by using a poetic language sometimes. There is, therefore, a contest between these two forms in his texts. Hazlitt associates poetry and prose with gender issues, considering a link between prose and masculinity, and also a link between poetry and femininity. However, generally, he celebrates the victory of prose over poetry, indicating a victory of masculinity over femininity. In this article, I will analyse Hazlitt's “My First Acquaintance with Poets” to discuss the relationship between prose, poetry and gender issues, arguing that Hazlitt undermines poetry and Coleridge as an idealized poet for him, whom he adored in his youth. In fact, Hazlitt mocks his youthful feelings and poetry with his mature feelings, subordinating poetry to his prose in the above-mentioned essay.