William Hazlitt stands out as one of England's most influential critics and pioneering journalistic essayists. A fervent political liberal, he championed the ideals of the French Revolution and was unafraid to retaliate against the Scottish Tory reviewers. Unaligned with any particular school of thought, Hazlitt was a writer whose independence of spirit shone through in his plain yet profound prose.

Early Influences and Education

Hazlitt's liberal convictions were deeply rooted in his upbringing. His father, a Unitarian minister, was an advocate for American independence, an influence that left a lasting impression on Hazlitt. In 1783, the Hazlitt family ventured to America, but after facing challenges, they returned to England in 1786, settling in Wem, Shropshire. Here, William Hazlitt began his formal education. By 1793, he was enrolled at Hackney Theological College with plans to enter the ministry. However, he soon found that his interests lay elsewhere, prompting a return to Wem. A pivotal moment came in 1798 when he heard Samuel Taylor Coleridge preach, igniting his passion for metaphysics and cementing an important intellectual influence on his life.

Artistic Aspirations and Literary Beginnings

In 1802, Hazlitt embarked on a journey to become a portrait artist, inspired by his brother John's career, leading him to Paris to study at the Louvre. Despite his efforts, Hazlitt realized his limitations in painting and returned to London four months later. Shifting from art to intellectual pursuits, he briefly lectured on philosophy and published works such as a critique of Thomas Malthus's population theories and an English grammar. Eventually, he found his calling in journalism, securing positions as a parliamentary reporter and drama critic for the Morning Chronicle and contributing to Leigh Hunt’s Examiner. His works, including Characters of Shakespeare’s Plays and Dramatic Literature of the Age of Elizabeth, have become cornerstones in the field of literary criticism.

Personal Life and Challenges

Hazlitt's personal life was marked by turbulence. His marriage to Sarah Stoddart in 1808 was strained from the start, their differing personalities proving incompatible. During this period, he developed an intense fixation on his landlord's daughter, a relationship he chronicled in Liber Amoris. The marriage ended in divorce, and although Hazlitt later married a wealthy widow, financial stability eluded him. Despite facing financial hardship toward the end of his life, his contributions to criticism, essays, and prose became widely recognized and appreciated posthumously.

Enduring Legacy

Hazlitt's work is celebrated for its straightforward, colloquial style, underpinned by sharp common sense and intellectual insight. His fearless approach to criticism and commitment to honest expression ensure he remains a respected figure in literary history. Though his later years were shadowed by poverty, his legacy as an honest critic and master essayist endures, influencing generations of writers and thinkers.