Shaftesbury's theory of aesthetics in its relation to eighteenth century literary criticism
Date
8/30/1936
Authors
Miller, Myra Goode
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Abstract
Description
The study of the great writers of the past
sometimes brings only stirrings of racial memories,
and pangs of nostalgia for the old days, but the
most inspiring effect comes when we succeed in establishing a communion with the spirit of the past. In these instances, we feel a contact with the living
mind of man as he faced the problems of existence
through centuries of struggle and effort.
Under the spell of this communication the figures
of literature step forth from the page, and become
more real than flesh and blood. Nor is it always
the major writers of a period who best interpret
the distinguishing characteristics of thought of
their age. Some important developments of thought
have found their best representatives in those
writers who are usually classed as minor figures.
Such was the case in the transition period between
Classicism and Romanticism. This period lasted
almost a century, but the most representative writer
was probably Lord Shaftesbury, who combined in
one mind both classical and romantic tendencies. This study purposes to evaluate the theories of aesthetics that were advanced by Shaftesbury, and to trace through them the spirit of romanticism
in his literary criticism. For the suggestion of
this subject, I am very grateful to Dr. L. M. Ellison.
I am also indebted to him for his aid in recreating
the atmosphere of the eighteenth century, and for
helping Shaftesbury emerge from the background. I
am sure tha t I could never have completed my study
without his er..encouraging interest.
I wish to express my appreciation, also, to Miss Mamie Walker whose kindly advice has helped
me over many difficult problems.
Keywords
Shaftesbury, Theory of aesthetics