Alexander Pope, “An Essay on Man
An Essay on Man
An Essay on Man is a poem published by Alexander Pope in 1733–1734. It is an effort to rationalize or rather "vindicate the ways of God to man", a variation of John Milton's claim in the opening lines of Paradise Lost, that he will "justify the ways of God to men". It is concerned with th…
Why is Pope's an essay on man important?
In addition to its impressive breadth and innovative use of poetic forms, An Essay on Man is known for its insightful wisdom. In fact, Pope has become one of the most quoted English poets, not only because of the beauty of his work, but also because of the wise insight that pervades much of his poetry.
What is the purpose of the poem The Pope?
The Pope means that his poem’s objective is to justify and prove what they know as knowledge according to religion. During the 18th Century, the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment were favored because of its ability to back up theories with proof and evidence.
When did Alexander Pope write an essay on man?
Alexander Pope published An Essay on Man in 1734. The poem is divided into four epistles and consists of heroic couplets, which are rhyming lines made up of five iambs. The poem, which was written in the Neoclassical era of literature, reflects Pope's idealistic attempt to understand and teach the order inherent in the physical world.
How does Alexander Pope use metaphor in an essay on man?
In Alexander Pope “An Essay on Man”, Pope uses the metaphor to describe the universe “…a might maze! but not without a plan.” What Pope means is that the universe a “mighty maze”.
Why does Pope write the first section?
Pope writes the first section to put the reader into the perspective that he believes to yield the correct view of the universe. He stresses the fact that we can only understand things based on what is around us, embodying the relationship with empiricism that characterizes the Augustan era.
What is the theme of Epistle III?
Epistle III – Of the Nature and State of Man, with Respect to Society. Epistle IV – Of the Nature and State of Man with Respect to Happiness. In the introduction to Pope’s first Epistle, he summarizes the central thesis of his essay in the last line.
How many sections are there in Epistle 2?
1. Epistle II is broken up into six smaller sections, each of which has a specific focus. The first section explains that man must not look to God for answers to the great questions of life, for he will never find the answers.
What does Pope say about the maintenance of order?
Pope stresses the maintenance of order so as to prevent the breaking down of the universe. 9. In the ninth stanza, Pope once again puts the pride and greed of man into perspective. He compares man’s complaints of being subordinate to God to an eye or an ear rejecting its service to the mind.
What does Pope believe about reason?
Pope believes reason to trump all, which of course is the one function specific to Man. Reason thus allows man to synthesize the means to function in ways that are unnatural to himself. 8. In section 8 Pope emphasizes the depths to which the universe extends in all aspects of life.
What does Pope say about God's omniscience?
Pope is adamant in God’s omniscience, and uses that as a sure sign that we can never reach a level of knowledge comparable to His. In the last line however, he questions whether God or man plays a bigger role in maintaining the chain once it is established. 2.
Why does Pope use the phrase "presumptuous man"?
Pope utilizes this section to explain the folly of “Presumptuous Man,” for the fact that we tend to dwell on our limitations rather than capitalize on our abilities. He emphasizes the rightness of our place in the chain of being, for just as we steer the lives of lesser creatures, God has the ability to pilot our fate.
What is Pope's purpose in the poem?
Pope’s stated purpose of the poem further problematizes any critical reading of the first epistle. According to Pope’s own conclusions, man’s limited intellect can comprehend only a small portion of God’s order and likewise can have knowledge of only half-truths.
What does Pope say about perfection?
Thus every element of the universe has complete perfection according to God’s purpose. Pope concludes the first epistle with the statement “Whatever is, is right,” meaning that all is for the best and that everything happens according to God’s plan, even though man may not be able to comprehend it (294). Here is a section-by-section explanation of ...
What is the first epistle of an essay on man?
The first epistle of An Essay on Man is its most ambitious. Pope states that his task is to describe man’s place in the “universal system” and to “vindicate the ways of God to man” (16). In the poem’s prefatory address, Pope more specifically describes his intention to consider “man in the abstract, his Nature and his State, since, ...
Did Pope write in verse?
Pope’s skill with verse thus far outweighs his philosophical aspirations, and it is fortunate that he chose to write in verse rather than prose. Indeed, eighteenth-century critics saw An Essay on Man as a primarily poetic work despite its philosophical themes. Study Guide Navigation. About Pope's Poems and Prose.
Who is the first epistle?
Here is a section-by-section explanation of the first epistle: Introduction (1-16): The introduction begins with an address to Henry St. John, Lord Bolingbroke, a friend of the poet from whose fragmentary philosophical writings Pope likely drew inspiration for An Essay on Man. Pope urges his friend to “leave all meaner things” ...
Does Pope exist within God's design?
As a mere component part of God’s design and a member of the hierarchical middle state, Pope exists within God’s design and therefore cannot perceive the greater logic of God’s order. To do so would bring only misery: “The bliss of man [...] / Is, not to act of think beyond mankind” (189-90).
by: Alexander Pope
Background on Alexander Pope
- Alexander Pope is a British poet who was born in London, England in 1688 (World Biography 1). Growing up during the Augustan Age, his poetry is heavily influenced by common literary qualities of that time, which include classical influence, the importance of human reason and the rules of nature. These qualities are widely represented in Pope’s poetry. Some of Pope’s most notable w…
Overview of “An Essay on Man”
- “An Essay on Man” was published in 1734 and contained very deep and well thought out philosophical ideas. It is said that these ideas were partially influenced by his friend, Henry St. John Bolingbroke, who Pope addresses in the first line of Epistle I when he says, “Awake, my St. John!”(Pope 1)(World Biography 1) The purpose of the poem is to addr...