Why did readers sometimes find Thomas Carlyle’s prose difficult to understand?

Readers often found the prose of Thomas Carlyle difficult to understand due to his unique and complex literary style, sometimes referred to as "Carlylese". His writing was characterized by several distinct features that challenged his audience:12

• Stylistic Complexity: His works are marked by long, irregular sentence constructions, the use of neologisms (newly coined words), and the frequent inclusion of Germanisms, reflecting his deep study of German literature.2
• Prophetic Tone: Carlyle often employed "prophetic harangues" that left readers puzzled regarding their relevance to contemporary social and political situations.3
• Contorted Prose: His writing style was frequently described as "contorted, fiery, and doom-laden," alternating between colloquial, humorous, and grim tones.3

While many readers were captivated by the drama of his narratives, these stylistic mannerisms—combined with his intense, often abstract philosophical arguments—made his work demanding for his contemporaries.32