Christopher Smart, English actor, playwright, and poet (d. 1771)

Christopher Smart (11 April 1722 – 21 May 1771) was an English poet whose life and work offer a fascinating, often poignant, glimpse into 18th-century literary and societal norms. A figure of considerable renown in his time, Smart navigated both the glittering circles of London's cultural elite and the shadowed depths of personal hardship, leaving behind a legacy that was profoundly misunderstood by his contemporaries but later celebrated for its unique brilliance.

A Public Figure and Literary Contributor

Born into an age of burgeoning print culture, Smart quickly established himself as a significant voice. He was a prolific and valued contributor to two of London's most popular magazines: The Midwife and The Student. These periodicals were crucial in shaping public opinion and taste, and Smart's involvement meant he was a familiar name in many households. His connections extended to some of the era's greatest luminaries, counting among his friends influential cultural icons such as the renowned lexicographer and critic Samuel Johnson, and the celebrated novelist Henry Fielding. Smart, a devout high church Anglican, was indeed a widely recognised figure throughout the bustling metropolis of London, often seen frequenting its coffee houses and literary gatherings.

The Enigmatic "Mrs. Mary Midnight" and Public Scrutiny

Smart's public persona, however, was not without its eccentricities and controversies. He gained particular notoriety as the pseudonymous "Mrs. Mary Midnight," a character he used, particularly in The Midwife, to host satirical "assemblies" that cleverly lampooned society and culture. This dual identity added a layer of intrigue to his reputation. Yet, a far more serious shadow loomed over his life: the widespread accounts of his father-in-law, the prominent publisher John Newbery, having him confined to a private mental asylum for many years. This drastic action was reportedly taken over Smart's supposed religious "mania," a deeply unsettling accusation in an era when fervent piety could be pathologized. Such confinement, often unregulated in 18th-century private madhouses, was a grim reality for many, and Smart's experience highlights the era's complex and often harsh attitudes towards mental health and unconventional religious expression.

Life's Unyielding Adversities and Confinement

Even after his eventual release from the asylum, Smart struggled to shake off the negative reputation that clung to him. He became widely known for incurring more debt than he could possibly repay, a common plight for many artists and writers of the period but one that eventually led to his ultimate downfall. The relentless pursuit of creditors culminated in his confinement to a debtors' prison, a harsh reality for many in 18th-century England, where incarceration was for financial insolvency rather than criminal offense. Tragically, Smart remained imprisoned for debt until his death in 1771, a stark end for a man once so celebrated.

A Literary Legacy Reimagined Over Time

Among Smart's prolific output, two works stand out in modern literary consciousness: A Song to David and Jubilate Agno. Both of these profound and unique poems were, at least partly, composed during his harrowing period of confinement in the asylum. However, their reception was vastly different from what we know today. Jubilate Agno, a fragmented and deeply idiosyncratic piece, remained unpublished until 1939, nearly two centuries after its composition, only then beginning to garner the critical attention it deserved. Similarly, A Song to David, a highly structured and devotional poem, received decidedly mixed reviews from his contemporaries and only truly began to be appreciated for its visionary power and lyrical genius in the 19th century and beyond.

To his contemporaries, Smart's fame rested more firmly on his extensive contributions to journals like The Midwife and The Student. He was also celebrated for his prestigious Seaton Prize poems, awarded by Cambridge University for religious verse, and his biting satirical mock epic, The Hilliad, which took aim at the controversial physician and writer John Hill. While he is recognised primarily as a deeply religious poet today, his verse encompasses a broader spectrum of themes, including his insightful theories on nature and a fervent promotion of English nationalism, showcasing a multifaceted mind that extended beyond pure devotion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was "religious mania" in the context of Christopher Smart's confinement?
In 18th-century England, "religious mania" was a term often applied to individuals who exhibited an intense, sometimes unorthodox, or overly zealous form of religious devotion. It reflected a societal discomfort with extreme emotional or public displays of faith, especially when they deviated from conventional norms. For Smart, his fervent prayers, prolonged religious meditations, and perhaps unconventional expressions of his Anglicanism were deemed by some, including his father-in-law, to be signs of mental instability, leading to his confinement.
Who was John Newbery and what was his relationship with Christopher Smart?
John Newbery was a prominent 18th-century English publisher and bookseller, often credited with pioneering children's literature. He was not only Smart's employer and collaborator but also his father-in-law, as Smart married Newbery's stepdaughter, Anna Maria Carnan. Newbery's decision to commit Smart to an asylum, while controversial, likely stemmed from a mix of genuine concern for Smart's well-being, worries about his financial irresponsibility, and a desire to protect his family's reputation in a society sensitive to public appearances.
What makes "A Song to David" and "Jubilate Agno" significant today?
A Song to David is celebrated for its intricate poetic structure, profound spiritual intensity, and masterful use of language, elevating the biblical King David to a figure of both divine inspiration and human genius. It's seen as a powerful testament to faith and poetic craft. Jubilate Agno, on the other hand, is cherished for its unique, fragmented, and often mystical qualities, its repetitive "Let" and "For" lines creating a hypnotic, incantatory rhythm. It's a deeply personal and eccentric work that explores creation, language, and Smart's own spiritual universe, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the mind of a visionary poet.
What was the Seaton Prize and "The Hilliad"?
The Seaton Prize was a prestigious annual poetry award at Cambridge University, established by Thomas Seaton, specifically for poems on a religious subject. Christopher Smart won this prize multiple times, cementing his reputation as a master of devotional verse among his academic peers. The Hilliad, conversely, showcases Smart's satirical prowess. It is a mock epic poem, a genre that uses the elevated style of epic poetry to satirize a trivial subject or, in this case, to attack a specific person—the controversial physician and writer John Hill. This work demonstrated Smart's versatility beyond religious themes, proving his capability for sharp wit and social commentary.