Assignment on Thomas Babbington Macaulay

Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800 – 1859) was writing about the English Revolution of the mid-17th century that saw the overthrow and of King Charles I of England.

Macaulay wrote in 1825, in the aftermath of the American and, especially, the French Revolution.

Read carefully:

• Macaulay, from "Milton" (1825)

Notice Macaulay’s concern to justify revolution. How many times do the following words occur in Macaulay's essay:

• "revolution"
• "liberty"

Here’s a passage from Macaulay’s most famous poem, "Horatius":

For Romans in Rome's quarrel spared neither land nor gold,
Nor son nor wife, nor limb nor life, in the brave days of old.

Then none was for a party; then all were for the state;
Then the great man helped the poor, and the poor man loved the great.
Then lands were fairly portioned; then spoils were fairly sold:
The Romans were like brothers in the brave days of old.

Now Roman is to Roman more hateful than a foe,
And the Tribunes beard the high, and the Fathers grind the low.
As we wax hot in faction, in battle we wax cold:
Wherefore men fight not as they fought in the brave days of old.

- stanzas XXXI - XXXIII

Now, discuss Macaulay's view on revolution and rebellion. Include consideration of the passage above from "Horatius" when considering Macaulay's views.

Consider, among other things,

• cause: What does Macaulay think about the cause(s) of revolution?
• purpose: What are the purposes of revolution?
• for whom? against whom? Whom does Macaulay have in mind when he writes about revolution? Whom is revolution for? Whom is revolution against?

Write 350-400 words. Email to me and to your group.

Bring both texts -- Macaulay and your HW assignment on Macaulay -- to class with you.