Further Confusions: 1904–1907

Abstract

The resolution of the conflict between experience and explanation that Chesterton found in Browning’s poetry, resided in balance: a balance between the conscious and unconscious control of form. But Chesterton soon realised that the resolution was peculiar to Browning; and he moved on in his criticism of 1904–7 to a further search for different modes of expression. Although he now travelled on a more defined path, it is important to keep in mind that during these years the central theme of the total interrelationship between inspiration, life and art, was being transformed into that of the interrelationship of religion, morality and expression.