In Izaak Walton’s The Compleat Angler, angling is viewed as the purest of sport in comparison to the momentary violence of hunting and the perceived hum-drum boredom associated with falconry. While The Compleat Angler is rife with Biblical references as the Angler, Hunter and Falconer all appear well-versed in scripture, the Angler stands alone with lengthy diatribes alluding to the perception of angling in Biblical times and the common interest shared between himself and Saints. Therefore, it can be interpreted in Walton’s eyes that angling would bring one closer to God.
In speaking to the righteous nature of fishing, the Piscator relates an anecdote about St. Peter, “…it may very well be maintained by our Saviour’s bidding, St. Peter cast his hook into the water and catch a fish, for money to pay tribute to Caesar.” (The Compleat Angler, Line 537) Given St. Peter’s close relationship with Christ, it is interesting that Walton would choose that scriptural reference. Is he implying that the Piscator sees himself in something of a higher light? The Piscator is clearly intrigued at the prospect of a Master-Scholar relationship between himself and the Venator and the seeming worship of the Venator at his oratory and angling abilities serve to strengthen their budding friendship. The humble Venator aims to please the Piscator throughout their fishing journey, consistently chiding his failure to capture numerous types of fish while the Piscator does so with ease regardless of equipment.
While we only see fleeting Biblical references to hunting or falconry in Walton’s work, the frequent scriptural references to angling allow the reader to draw a clear connection between the two. Given the many references, Walton would likely have been familiar with the Feeding of the Multitude narrative from the Gospels and even appears to allude to it by feeding six people with one trout – “Nay, brother, you shall not stay long; for, look you! Here is a trout will fill six reasonable bellies.” (Line 981)
Despite his willingness to dominate conversation much to the chagrin of other parties, the Piscator appears genuine. As Irenaeus of Lyons stated, “…a good will toward us is present with Him continually. And, therefore, He gives good counsel to all.” (Medieval Philosophy, 89) The Piscator’s generosity shines through in giving freely of his fishing talents to provide for the Milk-Maid and Coridon with food in exchange for a small bit of entertainment, providing tangible gifts and asking little in return. While not confusing himself with the divine, it appears as if the Piscator has not only studied scripture heavily but internalized the lessons in scripture and put them into practice.
Classical English Rhetoric – Anadiplosis (although I could have been more precise in my use of this technique)
How to Win an Argument – Appropriateness – use of scriptural anecdotes to relate to Walton