“左手的成就”:卡莱尔论弥尔顿诗文

“Achievements of the Left Hand”:Thomas Carlyle on the Prose and Poetry of John Milton

本文以卡莱尔的弥尔顿评论为研究对象。与英国浪漫主义诗人不同,卡莱尔主要聚焦于散文作品。在熟悉《失乐园》等诗作之后,他在一年的时间里系统地研读了弥尔顿的散文作品、考虑写作计划并有出版设想。除作品之外,作家性格特征、所在历史年代和普遍原则等被纳入卡莱尔的思考范围,这使得他的解读具有极强的层次感和系统性。否定弥尔顿文学的一面,特别是否定诗歌的创造性和创新性,以及肯定宗教的一面,并将他构建为英雄谱系中的一员,是卡莱尔理解弥尔顿的总体思路。

Thomas Carlyle's criticism of John Milton is the focus of this article.Different from the English Romantic poets,Carlyle mainly focuses upon the prose works of Milton.With a familiarity with such poetical works as Paradise Lost,Carlyle gives a systematical reading,within the length of one year,to Milton's prose works,in addition to the consideration of a writing plan and the schedule of publication.Besides the prose works,the particularities in the character,the historical background and the universal principles are all assimilated into Carlyle's consideration,rendering logicality and systematicity to his readings.It is Carlyle's major reading strategy to deny the literary achievements of Milton,especially his creativity and originality in poetry,and to confirm the religious accomplishments,so as to identify him as one member in the pedigree of the Carlylean heroes.