Christopher Smart
Biography
Christopher Smart (1722–1771) was an English poet, known primarily for his religious verse. Educated at Pembroke College, Cambridge, he initially gained a reputation for wit, satire, and light verse, becoming a prominent figure in London's literary circles. His life was, however, profoundly marked by mental illness, leading to several periods of confinement in asylums. It was during these difficult years, particularly between 1756 and 1763, that he produced his most original and celebrated work, "Jubilate Agno" (Rejoice in the Lamb), a complex and fervent religious poem that remained unpublished until 1939. His later masterpiece, "A Song to David," though initially met with mixed reviews, solidified his posthumous reputation. Despite his personal struggles and financial difficulties, often dying in a debtor's prison, Smart maintained an unwavering and ecstatic religious faith, which deeply informed his poetic output.
Selected Thoughts
«For I will consider my Cat Jeoffry. / For he is the servant of the Living God, duly and daily serving him.»
«For there is a blessing on the King of all glory, for his name is Jesus.»
«For the praise of GOD upon earth is as the song of a man that is a musician.»
Writing Style
Smart's writing style is characterized by its intense lyricism, fervent religious devotion, and often experimental and ecstatic structure, particularly in "Jubilate Agno." He employed rich, vibrant imagery, powerful alliteration, and a unique, often incantatory rhythm. His language blends classical poetic forms with a highly personal and impassioned expression of faith and praise. He could be both precise and grandiloquent, reflecting a mind deeply engaged with theological concepts, the wonders of the natural world, and a profound sense of divine presence.