The thought of Thomas Love Peacock: A study of his philosophical, political, social and aesthetic ideas.

This thesis examines the thought of Thomas Love Peacock on a variety of important subjects. It attempts to show that his attitudes were based, not upon mere prejudice, but upon serious analysis. Many critics have regarded Peacock as a destructive satirist with little constructive purpose in his novels. Others have seen his thought as superficial or confused. This study aims to correct these impressions by emphasising the positive aspects of his thought. Peacock's opinions and attitudes on a wide range of intellectual, political, social and aesthetic issues are discussed. Evidence is drawn from the whole corpus of his writings. Despite certain limitations of thought, Peacock emerges as an intelligent observer of contemporary affairs who was seriously concerned not only to ridicule falsehood and stupidity but also to present positive attitudes to con-temporary life and thought.