Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from System of Shakespeare's Dramas, Vol. 1 of 2
In general, the aim of this book is to show each drama as a Whole, in its thought, organization, and characters; then to group cognate dramas into a higher Whole by their common fundamental principle; at last, to behold all the dramas of the Poet as one Whole - in fine, to sum up Shakespeare. Such a plan, if successful, will unfold the system OF the shakespearian drama.
To a system of this kind neither too great nor too little value must be ascribed. If we make it a substitute for the beautiful poetic form of which it is hardly more than a skeleton, we misapply it totally. Criticism is' not poetry, and cannot take the place of poetry. On the other hand, an utter resignation to the sensuous glow Of passion is not the true poetical habit. Mere gratification of the senses is bestial, and Art may, in this way, be. Degraded into an instrument of sensuality. The inner spiritual essence must always be felt through - nay, be seen through. Then there is a genuine appreciation; then, too, the senses are lifted up into the realm of beauty, and become angels of purity, by means of the indwelling spirit. Poetry has both sides - a sensuous and an intel lectual; it is not in itself a philosophy, but, without a philosophy, it is in danger of being turned into a temple of the grossest passions.
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