The Short Essays Of Elia
Essays of Elia written by Charles Lamb exhibit the genius of the writer through his writings. In all these essays, the writer uses criticism very uniquely. Readers always get the feeling that the events and stories presented in his writings have not been heard before. The human touch he adds to all his works, whether it is a complex description of just some triviality, can be identified by people as it has a human touch to it. There are areas where some conceitedness creeps in, but those incidents are dealt with passionately and with feeling. His short essays were published in The London Magazine in 1820. His love for poetry was kindled in his early days with associates like Coleridge, Southey and others. He often remembered his old days fondly in his later writings. In several of the his poem dedications to Coleridge, he affectionately remembers the Old Salutation Tavern where they hope and visualized a bright future for the world.
One of his best essays is undoubtedly Old China. It is also one of the last essays written by Lamb. He remembers with pleasure his liking for old china ware. It used to be luxury items when he was young. He vividly remembers the picture of the courtly Mandarin pouring tea and other artwork on chinaware. Bridget, his cousin, realizes how easy it was for them to afford and use the blue china when they grew up. Still, she longs for the days when they were not so rich. It was almost as if that Bridget resented the fact that they could no longer enjoy what they got so easily. Perhaps, if it were harder to get, it would have brought more satisfaction. Lamb had one brown suit which he wore with great joy and pride even when it was threadbare. Ridiculed by his friends, he had to finally discard it. The memory of those simple but pleasurable moments is remembered in the essays of Elia.
A philosophy essay would be able to elaborate on the value of Lamb’s philosophy in his essays. There is a sense of belief in God and all that is good. In “Christ’s Hospital Five And Thirty Years Ago,” Lamb goes back to his childhood. He schooled at the Christ School and can imagine himself as the privileged Charles Lamb as well as the underprivileged Elia. His philosophy extends to his writings. In “My First Play,” and several other essays, he makes reference to Blakesware in Hertfordshire. It was a big white house where his maternal grandmother served as housekeeper.
There is hope and humor, but most of all there is humility and acknowledgment that the simple things in life can bring joy to the lives of those who seek it. A critical essay can bring out the subtlety with which he accepts that there are secrets in many of the things we do not understand. He has pity for the downtrodden and tends to find flair in things others would not notice. His delightful description of events from his youth and childhood makes us feel part of it. The essays of Elia would make interesting reading to those who are connoisseurs of simple but elegant writing.
