Introduction:
The essay "On going a journey" is written by William Hazlitt(1778-1830). Regarded as one of the greatest critics and essayists of English literature. Like Lamb Hazlitt wrote the personal essay as a profession and was serious about it.
Most of Hazlitt's essays are found to be subjective. His essay is about self-revelation and reminiscence, he revealed his own personality. Hazlitt himself says "I myself on the subject of my book.
Q no 1. What are his ideas about Going on a journey and what does he value most in the course of the journey?
Or
Q.no 2
Discuss Hazlitt as an essayist with reference to "on Going a Journey.
Q. No 3
What are the adventures of traveling alone? Consider "On Going a journey alone? Or
Q.no 4
Consider On Going a journey as an instance of Romantic travelogue writing
Hazlitt, essay “On Going a Journey” advocates the benefits of solo(single) travel within one own country or to a place of natural beauty. His affection for travel is very strong. He calls “Going on a journey” one of the most pleasantest things in the world. Hazlitt stresses that solitude while on a journey is a must saying “Nature is company enough for me, I am never less alone when alone.” According to Hazlitt, one can enjoy society in a room but out of doors nature should be the companion for a traveler.
Hazlitt insists that sharing the experience of nature with a companion takes away from the sensory experience of it. He says, “I cannot see the wit of walking and talk at the same time”. He believes conversation distracts from the scenery and that nature does not need to be discussed. It is only to be experienced. To tell about the scene while experiencing it diminishes it and takes away from it the immediate beauty. Everyone has their own unique experience of nature and seeing each experience is personal, it is futile to compare experiences.
Hazlitt seeks freedom from their fellow when he is on a journey. ‘The soul of a journey is the liberty to think, feel, and do just as one pleases.” When experiencing nature in solitude one can able to appreciate it to its full extent by becoming a part of nature. A Journey should be a time of freedom and awareness of all things associated with daily routine, professional interest, or with city life. When traveling alone one is a creature of the moment, free of all ties. A journey can provide a little breathing space to refresh and revitalize a person. When on a journey Hazlitt says that he begins “to feel, think and be me again.” He finds joy in life in living close to nature.
Hazlitt’s language in this essay describes the experience as being emotional, like a return to the innocent of childhood. The freedom found in nature comes from being away from the people and allowing the mind to rest. It is the silence that gives Hazlitt relief. In a selfish way, he says, “I like to have it all my own way and this is impossible unless you are alone.”
Another reason for Hazlitt’s preference for solitude stems from his belief that it is affected by attempts to speak about the scenery in any way that could do justice unless you are a poet. He claims that Coleridge would possibly travel with a companion because Coleridge has the ability to articulate his surroundings. Hazlitt does not possess such an ability.
Q. When would Hazlitt welcome the company of a friend on a journey or why?
However, one subject which provides pleasing conversation in the course of a journey and that is the discussion regarding food, a humorous side of Hazlitt is revealed in his belief and one must share in a journey with someone, it is best not to discuss the natural landscape but rather to discuss what you eat that night. Also, Hazlitt asserts that a stranger is always a better companion than a friend. In most cases, they are part of the scene like an innkeeper the gypsies, a peasant, etc.
According to Hazlitt, all types of journeys should not be undertaken individually. When one goes to see ruins or historical places it is profitable to have company. It is because these expeditions are more fruitful when one is well-informed about ancient history and this is only possible through possession of dialogue and discussion. There is another situation when a companion can make a journey fruitful and enjoyable that is when one is venturing into a foreign land.
An interesting aspect of this essay is that Hazlitt uses his own experience as a traveler to sustain his argument. The essay can be viewed as an interesting intense of romantic travel literature. Hazlitt was a part of the core group of English romantic writers in the 19th century and his perspective represents the temperament and sensibility of a mind whose imagination coupled with reason, looked at the issue of travel from both the practical and literary stands points. “On going a journey” presents an interesting perspective on the subject of travel in the early 19th century. Hazlitt projected the theme in the essay that one should devote himself entirely during a journey. This could only be achieved in a true mood of good thinking and love for nature. As we all are aware that we cannot do two things at the same time so when traveling we should enjoy our purpose at the highest level.
