Christopher Smart, an 18th-century British poet, is often regarded as one of the most interesting and complex figures in the history of British poetry. Although his life was fraught with personal struggles and his work somewhat overlooked during his lifetime, Smart’s poetry has since been recognized for its unique style, religious intensity, and vivid exploration of the human condition. His literary contributions reflect not only the poetic traditions of his time but also a deep personal struggle with mental illness, making his work all the more compelling to modern readers and critics.
Early Life and Education
Christopher Smart was born in 1722 in London, the son of a prosperous merchant. His early life was marked by a strict religious upbringing, as his family was devoutly Anglican. Smart’s education began at St. Paul’s School in London, where he showed early promise as a scholar. After completing his education at St. Paul’s, he went on to study at Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. Smart’s time at Cambridge played a crucial role in shaping his literary career, as it was here that he began to develop his skills as a poet and writer. It was also at Cambridge that he came into contact with some of the leading intellectuals and poets of the day, laying the foundation for his future literary career.
During his time at Cambridge, Smart came into contact with influential figures like Thomas Gray and Samuel Johnson, both of whom would have a profound impact on British poetry. Despite his academic achievements, Smart’s mental health began to decline in the 1740s, and this struggle with mental illness would come to define much of his later life and poetry.
The Influence of Religion and Mental Illness on Smart’s Poetry
Smart’s most significant work as a British poet is often considered to be Jubilate Agno, a long, fragmented poem written during a period of mental instability. The poem was written while Smart was confined to a mental asylum, a result of his erratic behavior, which was possibly due to a combination of religious fervor and mental illness. In the poem, Smart reflects on themes of divine creation, salvation, and the glory of God, but these themes are explored in a highly unconventional and sometimes chaotic manner.
Jubilate Agno was not published during Smart’s lifetime, and it was only in the 20th century that scholars rediscovered it and began to recognize its importance to British poetry. The poem’s fragmented style, shifting between profound religious meditations and eccentric, often bizarre imagery, presents a view of a poet grappling with his own mind while also attempting to communicate his relationship with God. In this sense, Smart’s work is a poignant reflection of the tension between personal suffering and spiritual transcendence, a theme that would become increasingly prominent in the history of British poetry.
Smart’s religious fervor, which was partly a reflection of his deep devotion to Anglicanism, played a significant role in shaping his poetic style. His works are infused with religious imagery, often invoking the presence of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit in ways that reflect his intense spiritual convictions. At times, his religious beliefs seem to border on mysticism, and this spiritual intensity is one of the most striking features of his poetry. However, it was also this very intensity that led to his confinement in a mental institution, as his religious outbursts and obsessive behavior were deemed symptoms of mental illness.
Jubilate Agno and the Legacy of Christopher Smart
Jubilate Agno is Smart’s most famous work, but it is also one of the most difficult and unconventional poems of the 18th century. The poem is written in a form of praise that acknowledges both the Creator and the creation, with Smart offering his own prayers to God while also celebrating the natural world and the beauty of divine creation. The poem is highly fragmented, and its structure shifts between prayers, songs, and meditations on nature. This stylistic experimentation set Smart apart from other poets of his time, such as Alexander Pope and John Dryden, who adhered more closely to formal poetic structures.
The poem is divided into various sections, with each section containing a series of brief, often disjointed verses. These verses range from declarations of faith to wild, almost surreal images of animals, people, and objects. The language of Jubilate Agno is often highly metaphorical, using symbolic references to both religious and natural themes. The fragmented structure of the poem reflects the instability of Smart’s own mind, and this instability is mirrored in the way the poem shifts between moments of clarity and moments of confusion.
One of the most striking aspects of Jubilate Agno is its deeply personal nature. It is clear from the tone and content of the poem that Smart was not merely writing for an audience; rather, he was writing as an expression of his own intense inner life. The poem’s many references to the poet’s own experience, both religious and psychological, create a sense of intimacy and immediacy that is often lacking in more formal works of British poetry. In this sense, Smart’s work can be seen as a precursor to the Romantic movement, which would later emphasize the importance of personal expression and emotional intensity in poetry.
Thematic Exploration in Smart’s Works
The primary themes in Smart’s poetry reflect his complex relationship with religion, nature, and the human condition. His work often explores the tension between the physical and spiritual realms, highlighting the ways in which these two aspects of existence intersect and inform one another. Smart’s work also explores the themes of divine justice, salvation, and human suffering, all of which are central concerns of his religious worldview.
Smart’s religious poetry, especially in Jubilate Agno, presents an image of a poet who is both struggling with his own mental instability and seeking a deeper connection with God. The poem contains numerous references to the divine, but these references are often mixed with descriptions of the poet’s own experiences, such as his feelings of isolation and alienation. This juxtaposition of religious transcendence and human suffering creates a tension that permeates much of Smart’s work.
In addition to religious themes, Smart’s poetry also reflects his fascination with the natural world. He often incorporates vivid descriptions of animals, plants, and the physical landscape into his works, and these descriptions are frequently used as metaphors for spiritual ideas. Smart’s exploration of the natural world was deeply influenced by his religious beliefs, as he saw nature as a reflection of divine creation. In this way, his poetry can be seen as part of the larger tradition of British poets who sought to connect the physical world with spiritual meaning.
Comparison with Other 18th Century British Poets
Christopher Smart’s work shares some similarities with the poets of the 18th century, yet his distinct style and themes set him apart. In comparing Smart to other prominent poets like Alexander Pope, Samuel Johnson, and Thomas Gray, it becomes clear that his approach to British poetry was unique in both form and content.
Alexander Pope
Alexander Pope, one of the most influential British poets of the 18th century, was known for his satirical verse and formal, rhymed couplets. Pope’s works, such as The Rape of the Lock and The Dunciad, reflect his sharp wit and keen observations of society, particularly its moral failings. In contrast, Smart’s poetry is far more introspective, religious, and emotionally charged. While Pope used satire to critique the social and political landscape, Smart’s poetry is more concerned with the personal, spiritual struggles of the individual. Pope’s style is polished and rational, while Smart’s fragmented style, especially in Jubilate Agno, mirrors his psychological fragmentation. This difference underscores Smart’s more personal, chaotic approach to poetry, in contrast to Pope’s controlled and often critical tone.
Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson, a towering figure in 18th-century British literature, is best known for his dictionary of the English language and his critical writings. His poetry, though less celebrated than his prose, includes works like London and The Vanity of Human Wishes, which reflect his interest in morality and the human condition. While both Johnson and Smart grappled with similar moral and philosophical themes, Johnson’s poetry tends to be more rational and formal. In contrast, Smart’s work, particularly in Jubilate Agno, is less conventional, characterized by religious fervor and a more fragmented, erratic style. Johnson’s rationality and Smart’s emotional intensity highlight the divergent paths that 18th-century poets could take in their exploration of similar themes.
Thomas Gray
Thomas Gray, best known for his elegy Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard, often focused on themes of death, memory, and the natural world. Like Smart, Gray was deeply influenced by his religious and philosophical reflections, but his style was more measured and refined. Gray’s poetry is often elegiac and meditative, while Smart’s works are infused with a sense of urgent spiritual expression and a fragmented, at times manic quality. Both poets explored the theme of mortality, but Gray’s poems convey a somber reflection on death and the passage of time, while Smart’s works incorporate a more mystical, transcendental view of the afterlife and divine creation.
Smart’s Contribution to British Poetry
Although Christopher Smart is not as widely celebrated as some of his contemporaries, such as Samuel Johnson, Alexander Pope, or James Macpherson, his contributions to British poetry are significant. His work is notable for its originality and emotional depth, as well as its willingness to explore themes of mental illness, religious devotion, and personal struggle. Smart’s poetry reflects the larger cultural and intellectual movements of the 18th century, particularly the growing interest in religious and philosophical questions.
Smart’s use of religious imagery and his exploration of the relationship between the physical and spiritual worlds set him apart from other 18th-century British poets. His work also anticipates many of the themes that would later be central to the Romantic movement, including the importance of personal expression, emotional intensity, and the exploration of the poet’s inner life. Smart’s influence on subsequent generations of poets is evident, especially in the work of poets like William Blake, who shared Smart’s interest in the intersection of religion and personal experience.
Despite his relatively brief and troubled life, Christopher Smart remains an important figure in the history of British poetry. His unique style, deep religious conviction, and willingness to engage with difficult personal subjects make him a compelling figure for modern readers and scholars. While his work was largely ignored during his lifetime, it has since been recognized as a significant contribution to the rich tradition of 18th-century British poetry.
Conclusion
Christopher Smart, the 18th-century British poet, remains a fascinating figure in the study of British poetry. His religious devotion, personal struggles, and unique style of writing have made his work a subject of much scholarly interest. Smart’s most significant contribution to British poetry lies in his deeply personal and innovative approach to themes of spirituality, human suffering, and the natural world. His work, especially Jubilate Agno, continues to be appreciated for its originality, emotional depth, and insight into the complexities of the human condition. Though Smart may not have enjoyed the fame of some of his contemporaries, his legacy as a British poet remains a lasting one, and his work offers valuable insights into both the religious and literary landscapes of the 18th century.
