William Hazlitt's infatuation with his landlord's daughter, Sarah Walker, was more than a personal affair; it became the foundation for his literary work, Liber Amoris: Or, The New Pygmalion. This 1823 publication, although initially cloaked in anonymity, quickly revealed Hazlitt as both the author and the central character. The narrative, marked by its emotional intensity and introspective nature, examines the complexities of romantic obsession and idealization.

The Writer's Passion

Hazlitt's fascination with Sarah was not merely a matter of physical attraction; it was a creative endeavor where he superimposed traits and emotions onto her, crafting a character as much as documenting a reality. Through dialogued recollections, the text illustrates his enchantment with her perceived attributes. As their affair evolved into disillusionment, the writer realized that his poetic imagination had constructed a false idol, failing to align with Sarah's genuine demeanor.

The "Statue" Metaphor

Although the Pygmalion concept is subtly woven into the narrative, Hazlitt explicitly refers to Sarah as "the statue." In correspondence with C. P., Esq., and later with Peter George Patmore, he describes her as a flawless yet cold marble figure. This imagery underscores his view of Sarah as an unattainable ideal, an embodiment of beauty devoid of reciprocal warmth and passion.

The Framework of Liber Amoris

The book is structured around dialogues and letters, with conversations between Hazlitt and Sarah capturing the essence of their interactions. Subsequent letters to Patmore recount Hazlitt's emotional turmoil as he awaited a divorce. The final section includes unsent letters to J. S. K., crafted to conclude the narrative.

Sarah Walker and the Blossoming Romance

Hazlitt's relationship with Sarah began after separating from his wife. The narrative depicts Sarah as a young woman eager for affection, responding warmly to Hazlitt's advances. Initially, she seemed to reciprocate his feelings, engaging in affectionate gestures during their early meetings.

The Unraveling Truth

As Hazlitt tried to convince Sarah's father of their intimacy's frequency, he discovered the reality of her flirtatious nature. While he had perceived their interactions as unique and significant, Sarah appeared to enjoy such attentions from various lodgers. Her stance was always clear: she offered friendship, not love.

Communication Breakdown

The interactions between Hazlitt and Sarah reveal a disconnect between his verbose declarations and her succinct responses. Hazlitt's eloquence was met with indifference, as Sarah preferred tangible affection over poetic expression. Her simplicity contrasted sharply with his complex emotions, highlighting the disparity in their connection.

Confronting Reality

Throughout the affair, Hazlitt grappled with reconciling their physical closeness with Sarah's refusal to commit. Despite asking everyone around him for clarity, he failed to accept her plain-spoken truth about her intentions. His idealistic belief in a deeper connection clashed with her straightforward approach to relationships.

Course of the Affair

Hazlitt's pursuit of Sarah was relentless. He lavished her with literary expressions of love and gifts, including a bronze Napoleon statuette, hoping to win her heart. However, her response remained constant—friendship was all she could offer, a sentiment she never wavered from despite his persistent affections.

Letters from Scotland

While in Scotland for his divorce proceedings, Hazlitt's letters to Sarah went largely unanswered. His missives to Patmore detailed his fluctuating hope and despair. Upon returning to London, he still hoped to secure Sarah's love but was met with rejection and the return of his tokens of affection.

The Final Realization

Hazlitt's romantic illusions shattered when he discovered Sarah's simultaneous involvement with another gentleman. His idealized image of her crumbled, leaving him with the bitter realization that she was "a practiced, callous jilt." This revelation marked the end of his dream and the beginning of his...