Introduction
Thomas Carlyle was one of the first English critics to appreciate the worth of German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832). His fellow critics were much less kind, and Carlyle leapt to Goethe’s defence. A writer may be faulted only if he fails to give adequate expression to his own ideas, he said. We cannot fault him for failing to express ours.
Let us consider what we mean by a fault. By the word fault, we designate something that displeases us, that contradicts us. But here the question might arise: Who are we? This fault displeases, contradicts us; so far is clear: and had we, had I, and my pleasure and confirmation, been the chief end of the poet, then doubtless he has failed in that end, and his fault remains a fault irremediably, and without defence. But who shall say whether such really was his object, whether each ought to have been his object? And if it was not, and ought not to have been, what becomes of the fault? It must hang altogether undecided; we as yet know nothing of it; perhaps it may not be the poet’s, but our own fault; perhaps it may be no fault whatever.
To see rightly into this matter, to determine with any infallibility, whether what we call a fault is in very deed a fault, we must previously have settled two points, neither of which may be so readily settled.
Précis
The negative assessment of Goethe’s poetry among English critics prompted Thomas Carlyle to remind them that we should not judge any work of art by whether we happen to like it. Poets write not to please critics, he said, but to express something within. We can charge their work with being faulty only if it falls short in this. (59 / 60 words)
The negative assessment of Goethe’s poetry among English critics prompted Thomas Carlyle to remind them that we should not judge any work of art by whether we happen to like it. Poets write not to please critics, he said, but to express something within. We can charge their work with being faulty only if it falls short in this.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: because, just, may, must, ought, since, whereas, who.
Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Jigsaws Based on this passage
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
You are welcome to share your creativity with me, or ask for help with any of the exercises on Clay Lane. Write to me at this address:
See more at Post Box.
If you like what I’m doing here on Clay Lane, from time to time you could buy me a coffee.
Buy Me a Coffee is a crowdfunding website, used by over a million people. It is designed to help content creators like me make a living from their work. ‘Buy Me a Coffee’ prides itself on its security, and there is no need to register.
