On Going a Journey by William Hazlitt Questions and Answers
Very Short Answer Questions
Who wrote the essay On Going a Journey?
William Hazlitt.
When was the essay first published?
January 1822 in The New Monthly Magazine.
In which book was the essay later included?
Table-Talk (1822).
What is Hazlitt’s main argument in the essay?
Traveling alone is the best way to experience freedom and deep reflection.
Why does Hazlitt prefer traveling alone?
It allows him to think freely without distractions from conversation.
What does Hazlitt dislike about traveling with companions?
They disrupt his thoughts and force him into unnecessary conversation.
What exception does he make to solitary travel?
He prefers company when visiting historical sites or foreign countries.
Which locations does Hazlitt mention in the essay?
The countryside, old inns, Oxford, Blenheim Palace, Calais, and Llangollen.
Why does he appreciate old inns?
They offer solitude, comfort, and an escape from societal expectations.
Which literary device does Hazlitt use frequently in the essay?
Metaphors and vivid imagery.
How does travel affect memory, according to Hazlitt?
It constantly reshapes our thoughts, making past experiences fade.
What does Hazlitt compare the mind to?
A canvas that erases old images when new ones are painted.
What does he say about foreign travel?
It is exciting but feels disconnected from daily life and identity.
Which philosopher’s quote does he reference about the mind?
John Milton’s “The mind is its own place.”
What does he say about discussing food while traveling?
It is the only conversation that enhances the journey.
What feeling does he associate with returning to an old place?
Nostalgia and a vivid revival of forgotten memories.
What personal experience does he describe in France?
His excitement upon arriving in Calais and feeling a sense of freedom.
What wish does Hazlitt humorously express at the end?
To have two lives—one for traveling and one for staying at home.
What is the overall tone of the essay?
Reflective, philosophical, and sometimes humorous.
What is the central theme of On Going a Journey?
The joy of solitude in travel and the impact of journeys on thought and memory.
Short Answer Questions
Why does Hazlitt believe traveling alone is better than traveling with company?
Hazlitt believes that traveling alone allows for true freedom of thought without the distractions of conversation. He argues that companions disrupt deep reflection and force travelers into meaningless discussions. Solitude, on the other hand, helps one fully absorb nature, recall memories, and enjoy the journey without social obligations.
What exceptions does Hazlitt make to his preference for solitary travel?
While he generally prefers solitude, Hazlitt admits that historical sites, ruins, and foreign travel are better experienced with company. He believes that discussing art, culture, and history enhances the experience. He also acknowledges that being alone in a foreign country can feel isolating, making a companion’s presence comforting.
How does Hazlitt describe the effect of travel on memory?
He suggests that travel constantly reshapes memory, causing past experiences to fade as new ones take their place. He compares the mind to a canvas, where each journey paints over previous images. While places can trigger old memories, they also make travelers forget what they’ve just left behind.
Why does Hazlitt admire inns, and what do they symbolize for him?
Hazlitt sees inns as places of freedom and anonymity, where one can escape societal roles. They offer comfort, solitude, and a temporary retreat from daily life. In an inn, a traveler is simply “the Gentleman in the parlour,” free from obligations and expectations.
What role does nostalgia play in Hazlitt’s essay?
Hazlitt frequently reflects on past experiences and how travel can bring back old emotions and memories. He describes how approaching a familiar place revives forgotten feelings, people, and events. However, he also laments that the past is gone forever, making nostalgia both sweet and painful.
What does Hazlitt mean when he says, “Out of my country and myself I go”?
He means that traveling to a foreign country feels like stepping outside one’s usual identity. In an unfamiliar land, one feels disconnected from their past and home, almost becoming a different person. However, he notes that these experiences, while thrilling, are often temporary and do not integrate well with daily life.
How does Hazlitt compare the experience of traveling through a barren landscape versus a lush one?
He explains that when one is in a barren, desolate landscape, it is impossible to imagine a green and fertile one, and vice versa. This highlights the limitations of human perception—we tend to focus only on what is immediately in front of us and struggle to see beyond it.
Why does Hazlitt consider discussing food an exception to his dislike of travel conversations?
He believes that discussing what to eat for supper at an inn adds to the joy of travel. Anticipating a warm meal after a long journey enhances the experience, making it a moment of shared pleasure rather than an interruption. The conversation heightens appetite and enjoyment rather than distracting from the journey.
What does Hazlitt mean by saying that foreign travel is more pleasing in the moment than lasting?
He argues that while foreign travel is exciting, it often feels detached from daily life and hard to recall afterward. The memories do not always blend naturally with one’s normal existence, making the experience feel like a dream or another state of being. This explains why people struggle to discuss their foreign travels in everyday conversation.
What is the overall message of On Going a Journey?
Hazlitt’s essay highlights the freedom, joy, and personal growth that comes with solitary travel. He argues that companions often interfere with deep thought, while being alone allows one to fully experience nature and reflect on life. However, he acknowledges that some journeys, such as foreign travel or visits to historical sites, benefit from companionship. His final message is that travel is both an escape and a way to rediscover oneself.
