Sartor Resartus - Classic Text | Alexandria
Sartor Resartus, ostensibly on the philosophy of clothes, is far more a profound, perplexing, and humorous exploration of identity, society, and belief. Published in 1836 by Thomas Carlyle, this “fragmentary Account of Professor Teufelsdrockh’s Opinions on Clothes, their Origin, and Influence,” as its subtitle suggests, challenges conventional notions of biography, authorship, and even reality itself. Is it a serious philosophical treatise, a satirical commentary, or a spiritual autobiography in disguise?
The seeds of Sartor Resartus can be traced to Carlyle's own spiritual crisis of the late 1820s, a period marked by intense philosophical questioning and a rejection of traditional religious dogma. During this time, Carlyle grappled with German Idealism, particularly the works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which profoundly influenced the book's structure and themes. Although not directly referenced as "Sartor Resartus" prior to its publication, the conceptual framework and intellectual ferment that birthed it are evident in Carlyle's letters and essays from that era, reflecting his evolving thoughts on symbolism, transcendentalism, and the nature of truth.
The book’s impact has been layered. Initially met with mixed reviews, it gradually gained recognition as a seminal work of Victorian literature. Its inventive structure, blending fictional biography with philosophical digressions, influenced novelists such as Herman Melville and had a transformative effect on the development of the stream of consciousness. Interpretations vary widely, ranging from readings that emphasize its critique of materialism to those that see it as a celebration of the human spirit's capacity for renewal. Its exploration of clothing as a metaphor for social constructs continues to resonate today, influencing discussions on identity, representation, and the performative nature of self.
Today, Sartor Resartus remains a vital and challenging text. Whether we view it as a precursor to postmodernism, a spiritual guide, or a biting social commentary, its enduring appeal lies in its ability to provoke questions rather than provide easy answers, urging us to reflect on the clothes we wear, both literally and metaphorically, and the roles they play in shaping our perceptions of the world and ourselves. What garments are you wearing now?