# Robert Southey — Table-Talk character guide

> Robert Southey in Table-Talk by William Hazlitt.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mr. Southey

**First appearance:** 0005-volume-i-character-of-cobbett

## Who they are

Poet and historian, referenced in literary and political contexts.

## In the story

### [On Paradox and Commonplace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se/chapters/volume-i-on-paradox-and-commonplace)

Mentioned as a poet-laureate and example of an apostate from revolutionary fervor.

### [On Milton's Sonnets](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se/chapters/volume-ii-on-milton-s-sonnets)

Criticized for presuming to describe Milton's afterlife views in his poem; Hazlitt mocks his 'infirmity of purpose.'

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se/characters/mr_southey
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se/characters