Sartor Resartus · Question
How does Sartor Resartus develop the theme of Critique of Society and Materialism?
Answer
Sartor Resartus by Thomas Carlyle develops Critique of Society and Materialism across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Teufelsdröckh sharply criticizes the hollow conventions, hypocrisy, and materialism of modern society, including the worship of wealth, fashion, and empty social rituals, advocating for a more authentic and spiritually grounded existence.
The philosophy of clothes serves as a metaphor for the superficiality of social conventions and material appearances, critiquing the emptiness of outward forms.
The Editor criticizes the neglect of fundamental philosophy in favor of practical, mercantile concerns, especially in England.
The Editor criticizes the era's 'puffery and quackery' and the commercial pressures on editors, contrasting the pursuit of truth with the superficiality of contemporary publishing.
Evidence in the book
- Book I
The philosophy of clothes serves as a metaphor for the superficiality of social conventions and material appearances, critiquing the emptiness of outward forms.
- I: Preliminary
The Editor criticizes the neglect of fundamental philosophy in favor of practical, mercantile concerns, especially in England.
- II: Editorial Difficulties
The Editor criticizes the era's 'puffery and quackery' and the commercial pressures on editors, contrasting the pursuit of truth with the superficiality of contemporary publishing.
- III: Reminiscences
Teufelsdröckh's toast to 'The Cause of the Poor' and his democratic sentiments reflect a critique of social inequality and materialism, as does the Editor's commentary on the public's indifference to the Professor's origins.
- IV: Characteristics
Teufelsdröckh's disdain for social hierarchies and material symbols is evident: he sees a Duchess's pearls and a clown's button as mere implements, and a drawing-room as 'a section of Infinite Space'.
- The World in Clothes
Clothes are shown as both elevating humanity and threatening to turn people into 'Clothes-screens,' critiquing superficiality.
- VI: Aprons
Teufelsdröckh critiques societal structures, comparing military and police establishments to aprons, and satirizes the role of journalism and printed paper in modern life.
- Miscellaneous-Historical
The extravagant and often ridiculous descriptions of clothing serve as a critique of material excess and societal pretension.
