Sartor Resartus · Theme
The Role of the Artist and Thinker
How Sartor Resartus develops The Role of the Artist and Thinker.
The poet, philosopher, and even the tailor are portrayed as visionary creators who shape human consciousness and society, with the thinker depicted as a warrior against falsehood and spiritual darkness.
Where it surfaces
- Book I
Teufelsdröckh is portrayed as a solitary thinker whose unconventional ideas challenge societal norms, highlighting the tension between the philosopher and the public.
- I: Preliminary
The chapter praises German thinkers for their fearless speculation and contrasts them with the stunted condition of English science.
- II: Editorial Difficulties
The Editor reflects on the challenge of presenting Teufelsdröckh's new philosophical ideas to the public, highlighting the thinker's role in disseminating truth amidst societal constraints.
- III: Reminiscences
The chapter explores the enigmatic nature of the philosopher Teufelsdröckh, whose work on clothes emerges unexpectedly, highlighting the misunderstood and often invisible role of thinkers in society.
- IV: Characteristics
The Editor discusses Teufelsdröckh's genius, his uneven style, and the value of his insights, highlighting the tension between creative inspiration and flawed execution.
- Prospective
The Editor's laborious effort to create order from chaos mirrors the artist's struggle to give form to thought.
- Centre of Indifference
Teufelsdröckh extols the book as a 'wonder-bringing City of the Mind' and great men as inspired texts, emphasizing the creative and spiritual power of writers over conquerors.
- X: Pause
Teufelsdröckh embraces writing as his calling, viewing the pen as a wonder-working tool and the writer as a divine creator, akin to a priest.
- Natural Supernaturalism
The Professor's visionary insight exemplifies the thinker's role in piercing illusions and revealing transcendent truths.
- XI: Tailors
Teufelsdröckh likens poets and moral teachers to 'Metaphorical Tailors,' suggesting that creators shape society and even divinity.
- XII: Farewell
The Editor questions Teufelsdröckh's choice of style and medium, suggesting a desperate or prophetic impulse behind his work.
- Testimonies of Authors
The New England editors defend the author's eccentric style as a vehicle for serious speculation, highlighting the tension between artistic expression and public reception.
