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Kaleidoscope

IV. 1.
Essay

Getting Up on a Cold Morning

Leigh Hunt

Leigh Hunt (1784 – 1859) was a prolific British poet, essayist and critic.

Short Summary
Leigh Hunt's essay, "Getting up on a Cold Morning," humorously explores the
challenges of rising early in chilly weather. He describes the transition from warmth to
coldness as "hellish torture." He attributes it to Adam and Eve's biblical sin. He mocks early
risers, particularly businessmen who are driven by profit and individuals who adhere rigidly
to routine. Hunt also highlights the absurdity of prioritizing punctuality over comfort. He
employs vivid imagery, such as breath resembling chimney smoke, to convey the reluctance
to leave the cozy embrace of bed. However, the complexity of Hunt's language may pose
challenges for some readers, despite the essay's overall charm. Hunt's essay remains a fine
portrayal of the universal laziness to leave the comfort of bed on cold mornings. The
portrayal of the inner conflict, when duty clashes with the attraction of the warmth of bed, is
excellent.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the Italian author mentioned in the beginning of the essay, “Getting Up on
Cold Mornings”?
The Italian author mentioned in the beginning of the essay, “Getting Up on a Cold
Morning,” is Guilio Cordara, a Jesuit priest.
2. What does Leigh Hunt say about Adam and Eve?
Leigh Hunt attributes the discomfort of rising early on cold mornings to Adam and
Eve's biblical sin. He suggests that this is the reason behind humanity's struggle with early
awakening.
3. Explain “harpy-footed furies”.
Harpies are cruel, ugly mythical creatures, half human and half bird. They torture lost
souls by dragging them out from fire and thrusting them into ice. In the essay, the expression
symbolizes tormentors.

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4. What is described as the unnecessary and villainous custom on cold mornings?

Shaving is described as the unnecessary and villainous custom on cold mornings. To
Leigh Hunt, it is so unmanly and effeminate.
5.Why does Hunt say that getting up early on cold morning is hellish torture?
Leigh Hunt has been warm all night, and his system perfectly suitable to a warm
blooded animal. To get out of this warm state into the cold all on a sudden is hellish torture. It
is like the sudden transition from heat to cold, from fire to ice.

Paragraph Questions
1. Describe Hunt’s own experience on early rising on cold mornings.
Leigh Hunt describes his own experience on early rising on cold mornings. On trying to get
up, he finds that the parts of the sheet and bolster exposed to the air of the room are very cold.
On opening his eyes, he finds his own breath like smoke out of a cottage chimney. He also
finds the windows all frozen over. He tells the servant to keep ready his articles and dresses,
and hot water for shaving. After that, he finds an excuse to stay in the bed for some more
time saying that the water is too hot. Finally, he gets up and makes himself ready to shave.
2. What are some of the challenges and discomforts Leigh Hunt discusses when getting
up on cold mornings?
Leigh Hunt humorously portrays the challenges of rising early on cold mornings as
"hellish torture." He attributes it to Adam and Eve's biblical sin. He mocks early risers,
particularly businessmen driven by profit and those rigidly adhering to routine. Hunt vividly
describes his reluctance to leave the warmth of bed. He compares his breath on cold mornings
to chimney smoke. He acknowledges that it is necessary to get up early. However, he also
highlights the absurdity of prioritizing punctuality over comfort. The essay offers insight into
the universal struggle of balancing duty and comfort, agreeing with readers facing similar
challenges.
3. How does Leigh Hunt suggest that one can overcome the difficulty of getting up on
cold mornings?
Leigh Hunt proposes strategies for conquering the challenge of rising on cold
mornings. He exemplifies by engaging in conversation with the one waking you, diverting
attention from the cold. Requesting preparations for morning tasks and delaying shaving with
the excuse of hot water cooling are some of the tactics. Another way is to become a
businessman. A businessman loves money more than his comfort. Prioritizing profit over
comfort, or adopting a strict punctuality regimen regardless of weather, are a few other
suggestions. Using some of these ideas, one can overcome the hellish torture of getting up on
cold mornings.

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4. What are some of the benefits or positive aspects Leigh Hunt mentions about waking
up early on cold mornings?
Leigh Hunt's essay, "Getting Up on a Cold Morning," explores the perceived benefits
of early rising. It is commonly believed that early rising is beneficial for health. However,
Hunt challenges this notion due to potential health shocks from abrupt temperature changes.
Although some argue that it extends life, he questions the value of longevity over quality.
Comparing early rising to a "hellish torture," Hunt acknowledges its potential financial
advantages for businessmen and opportunities for punctuality boasting. He observes that a
shorter life with the joys of late rising may be better than a long life with the sufferings of
early rising.
5. What insights or personal experiences does Leigh Hunt share in his essay regarding
the process of overcoming inertia and embracing the challenges of cold mornings?
In his fine essay titled "Getting up on a Cold Morning", Leigh Hunt shares his insights
or personal experiences regarding the process of overcoming inertia and embracing the
challenges of cold mornings. Hunt tells us that everyone will agree that it is indeed
challenging to get out of bed on a cold morning. It is because the sudden transition from
warmth to cold is a hellish torture. The change in temperature is unbearable, and one gets up
only due to compulsion. He compares this torture to harpy-footed furies dragging out lost
souls from fire and thrusting them into ice.

Essay 1
1. What pleasures does Hunt discover in his essay "Getting up on a Cold
Morning"?
Leigh Hunt's essay, "Getting up on a Cold Morning," explores the joys of delaying waking in
contrast to the challenges of early rising. He says that getting up early on cold mornings is
hard whereas getting up late is pleasurable.
Hunt begins with an anecdote about Guilio Cordara's poem on insects. He suggests
that discomfort is a consequence of humanity's fall from grace. He relishes the warmth of
bed. He also says that the transition to cold is like hellish torture, inspired by Adam and Eve's
sin.
Setting himself as an example, Hunt shares techniques to postpone rising. He says that
one can engage in weather discussions and delaying tactics like shaving. He talks about the
discomfort of early rising, comparing it to hellish torture. Hunt highlights the motivations
behind early rising, attributing it to a love of wealth or adherence to routines.
Regarding health and longevity, Hunt questions the presumed benefits of early rising.
He cites the bad effects from abrupt temperature changes. He challenges the notion that a
longer life is more beautiful as well as desirable. He cites the case of London's longest street
as an example of length without inherent beauty.

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In conclusion, Hunt celebrates the pleasure of late awakenings without prescribing

strict rules. He encourages readers to think of the balance between early rising's hardships
and the joys of leisurely mornings. He leaves the decision to accept or reject his suggestion to
individual discretion.

Essay 2
2. Critically analyse the essay “Getting up on a Cold Morning”.
In the essay, “Getting up on a Cold Morning”, Leigh Hunt beautifully relates his struggle of
rising early in chilly weather.
Hunt humorously compares the abrupt transition from warmth to coldness to a
"hellish torture." He compares this torture to harpy-footed furies pulling out lost souls from
fire and thrusting them into ice. He also attributes this discomfort to Adam and Eve's sin. He
suggests that before the original sin, winters were not snowy.
The essay has a humorous tone. Hunt mocks those who rise early, particularly
businessmen driven by financial gain or individual’s addiction to routine. His use of powerful
similes, like breath resembling chimney smoke, vividly conveys the reluctance to leave the
warmth of bed. He cleverly compares the morning ordeal to the sufferings of lost souls. It
adds depth to the narrative.
Through rich imagery, Hunt paints a vivid picture of a paradise devoid of troublesome
insects. He illustrates the struggle of leaving the cozy embrace of blankets for the chill of the
morning. He also depicts the picture of the servant with his bustling preparations. However,
the complexity of Hunt's language may pose challenges for some readers, despite the essay's
overall charm.
In conclusion, Hunt's essay remains an enjoyable portrayal of the universal laziness to
leave the comfort of bed on cold mornings. The portrayal of the inner conflict faced when
duty clashes with the attraction of staying in the warmth of bed is excellent.

Prepared by:
Prof. MURUKAN BABU C.R.
(formerly) Associate Professor of English
Panampilly Memorial Govt. College
Chalakudy

email: mbabucr@gmail.com

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