JOSEPH ADDISON AS A LITERARY FIGURE

 

JOSEPH ADDISON

 

INTRODUCTION

Joseph Addison (1672-1719) was a celebrated English writer, poet, and playwright who left a lasting impact on literature. As a pioneering essayist, he co-founded influential periodicals like The Tatler and The Spectator, shaping public opinion and tastes. Addison's elegant writing style, witty satire, and thoughtful commentary on society and morality captivated 18th-century readers. His works, including the acclaimed tragedy Cato, showcased his mastery of language and drama. Today, Addison remains a significant literary figure, admired for his contributions to the development of English literature and journalism. Samuel Johnson in Lives of the poets says,

"Addison's prose is the model of elegance, and his verse, though not always equally happy, has often the charm of simplicity and ease... His style is always pure, and his sentiments are always noble."

LIFE AND CAREER:

Joseph Addison was an English essayist, poet, playwright, and politician. Born in Wiltshire, England, Addison studied at Oxford University and later traveled to Europe. He became a prominent figure in London's literary circle, befriending notable writers like Richard Steele and Alexander Pope.

MAJOR WORKS:

·        The Tatler (1709-1711): A periodical essay series, addressing social issues and literary topics.

·        The Spectator (1711-1712, 1714-1715): A daily periodical, co-founded with Richard Steele, featuring essays on morality, literature, and society.

·        Cato (1713): A tragic play, showcasing Addison's skill in drama.

·        The Guardian (1713): A short-lived periodical, continuing The Spectator's style.

LITERARY STYLE AND THEMES:

ELEGANCE AND CLARITY:

Joseph Addison's writing is renowned for its elegance and clarity. His prose is characterized by simplicity, precision, and a natural flow, making complex ideas accessible to all readers. Addison's sentences are carefully crafted, with each word chosen for its exact meaning and rhythm. This masterful use of language creates a sense of ease and grace, engaging readers and conveying his thoughts with precision. T.S. Eliot in his Selected Essays (1917-1932) says,

"Addison's style, at its best, is characterized by simplicity, clarity, and precision... He has a gift for phrase-making, and his sentences have a rhythm which is not merely ornamental but helps to convey his meaning."

 

WIT AND HUMOUR:

Joseph Addison's writing is celebrated for its wit and humour, which gently satirize society and human nature. With a keen eye for observation, Addison uses irony, sarcasm, and clever wordplay to expose folly and foolishness. His humorous essays in The Tatler and The Spectator, particularly those featuring the fictional character Sir Roger de Coverley, showcase his light hearted and playful approach. Addison's wit is never cruel or biting, but rather tempered with kindness and humanity, making his critiques both entertaining and insightful. William Hazlitt in  Lectures on the English Poets (1818) has correctly said,

"Addison's satire is tempered with humanity. He laughs at folly, but never wounds virtue. His ridicule is playful, not malignant. He has a kindly disposition, and a benevolent heart... His humour is of the most agreeable kind, and his wit is always at the service of his good-nature."

SATIRICAL AND IRONIC TONE:

Joseph Addison's writings often employ irony and satire to critique societal norms, politics, and human foibles. With subtle wit and clever wordplay, Addison exposes folly and hypocrisy, frequently targeting the excesses of the upper class and the pretensions of the rising middle class. His satirical tone, as seen in The Tatler and The Spectator, is characterized by gentle ridicule, playful teasing, and ironic understatement. Addison's irony often takes the form of mock seriousness, where he pretends to endorse absurd views to highlight their ridiculousness. Henry Fielding has correctly said in his The Covent-Garden Journal ,

"Addison's writings are the perfect pattern of humour, and of wit. His satire is always tempered with mercy, and his ridicule is always accompanied with a smile."

 MORAL REFLECTIONS:

Joseph Addison's writings often explored moral themes, offering insightful reflections on human nature, virtue, and ethics. Through his essays in The Tatler and The Spectator, Addison shared thoughtful observations on everyday life, encouraging readers to cultivate compassion, honesty, and integrity. He emphasized the importance of self-reflection, moderation, and balance in personal and public life. Addison's moral reflections were guided by a sense of reason, tolerance, and kindness, making his advice both practical and inspiring. By addressing universal concerns and human weaknesses, Addison's writings continue to provide valuable guidance for living a virtuous and fulfilling life. Alexander Pope has correctly said,

"Addison's moral reflections are always just and noble... He has a talent for making virtue amiable, and vice odious, without being severe or declamatory... His writings are a school of morality, where virtue is taught with elegance and persuasion."

 SOCIAL COMMENTARY:

Joseph Addison's writings offer insightful social commentary, critiquing the norms, values, and excesses of 18th-century England. Through essays in The Tatler and The Spectator, Addison observed and satirized various aspects of society, including politics, class divisions, and cultural trends. He targeted the vanity and pretentiousness of the upper class, the rising middle class's materialism, and the social conventions that constrained women. Addison's commentary also highlighted the plight of the poor, the importance of education, and the need for moral reform. With wit, irony, and gentle ridicule, Addison encouraged readers to reflect on their values and behaviours, promoting a more rational, compassionate, and just society. Thomas Macaulay has correctly said,

 

“Addison’s writings are a mirror of his age, reflecting the tastes, manners, and opinions of the early 18^th century… He has painted the society of his time with a fidelity that is almost photographic… His satire is never savage, but always humane.”

CONCLUSION:

Joseph Addison was a very important writer in English literature. His essays, plays, and poems are still widely read and admired today. He helped create the essay genre and influenced how people thought about literature and culture. Addison's writings about human nature, morality, and society are still relevant and teach us valuable lessons. His work in The Tatler and The Spectator showed people the power of journalism and satire. Addison's legacy continues to inspire writers, thinkers, and readers, solidifying his place as one of the greatest writers of his time. T.S. Eliot has appreciated Addison by saying,

"Addison's greatness lies in his unique combination of wit, humour, and seriousness... His essays are a masterpiece of literary art, and his influence on English literature is immense... He is one of the greatest writers of his age."

 

CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE AS A LITERAY FIGURE

Christopher Marlowe

 

Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593) was a renowned English playwright, poet, and translator of the Elizabethan era. Christopher Marlowe was a groundbreaking playwright who revolutionized English drama with his innovative use of language, complex characters, and exploration of themes. Christopher Marlowe was a literary titan of the Elizabethan era, whose boundless imagination, poetic genius, and innovative spirit continue to captivate audiences and inspire writers to this day. With his masterful command of language, complex characters, and exploration of the human condition, Marlowe's plays and poems remain a testament to his enduring greatness. His influence on the English literary canon is immeasurable, shaping the works of Shakespeare and countless others. Marlowe's fearless experimentation, intellectual curiosity, and passionate creativity have cemented his place as one of the greatest writers in the English language, ensuring his works will continue to enthrall, provoke, and delight readers for generations to come. As critic J.B. Steane notes,

"Marlowe's plays are like a richly embroidered fabric, with every thread carefully woven into the pattern"

Here are some key characteristics of Marlowe as a literary figure:

 

INNOVATIVE PLAYWRIGHT:

Marlowe was a pioneer of English drama, introducing blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter) and complex characters. Marlowe's bold experimentation with dramatic structure and his willingness to tackle controversial subjects also set him apart, as noted by Harold Bloom:

"Marlowe's plays are astonishingly original, and his originality is not just a matter of style, but of vision"

 

POETIC LANGUAGE:

Marlowe’s  writing is known for its poetic beauty, rich imagery, and eloquent language. Marlowe's poetic language is renowned for its beauty, complexity, and emotional power. His use of blank verse, rich imagery, and metaphorical expression created a unique and captivating style. As critic Harry Levin notes,

 

"Marlowe's language is a triumph of the auditory imagination, a symphony of sound and sense"

His words "dance in the ear" with a musical quality, observed by William Empson:

"Marlowe's verse is like a river, flowing and changing, with a life of its own"

 

TRAGIC HERO:

 

Marlowe's plays often feature a tragic hero, exploring themes of ambition, power, and downfall. Marlowe's tragic heroes are iconic figures, embodying both admirable and flawed qualities. As critic J.B. Steane notes,

 

 "Marlowe's heroes are not mere mortals, but titans, whose falls are catastrophic"

 

 Harold Bloom has correctly said commenting on Marlowe’s heroes,

 

 "Marlowe's heroes are rebels against the limitations of human nature"

 

. Their flaws, however, ultimately lead to their downfall, as noted by M.C. Bradbrook:

 

"Marlowe's heroes are destroyed by their own excesses, their tragic flaws"

 

 Through characters like Tamburlaine, Faustus, and Barabas, Marlowe explores the complexities of human nature, revealing the dangers of unchecked ambition and the devastating consequences of tragic flaws.

 

EXPLORATION OF HUMAN NATURE:

 

Marlowe’s works delve into human psychology, revealing complexities and flaws. Marlowe's works probe the depths of human nature, revealing its complexities, contradictions, and flaws. As critic William Empson notes,

 

 "Marlowe's plays are a search for the underlying truth of human nature"

 

He explores the tensions between reason and passion, as observed by Harry Levin:

 

"Marlowe's characters are torn between their intellect and their emotions"

 

Marlowe also examines the darker aspects of human nature, such as ambition, greed, and the lust for power. Through his characters' struggles and downfalls, Marlowe offers an extraordinary  portrayal of human nature, as observed by Harold Bloom:

 

"Marlowe's plays are a profound exploration of the human condition"

 

CLASSICAL INFLUENCES:

 Marlowe's works demonstrate a profound classical influence, reflecting his deep understanding of ancient Greek and Roman literature. As critic J.B. Steane notes,

"Marlowe's plays are steeped in classical learning"

His use of classical allusions, imagery, and themes, such as the concept of hubris, reveals a strong debt to authors like Ovid, Virgil, and Seneca, as observed by M.C. Bradbrook:

"Marlowe's classical learning is not mere decoration, but a source of inspiration"

MARLOWE AS A REPRESENTATIVE FIGURE  OF HIS AGE:

Christopher Marlowe was a typical example of the Elizabethan era. His plays show the good and bad things about that time. People back then were interested in power, success, and death. They were also creating new art and culture. Marlowe's plays capture the excitement and change of that era. England was going through big changes, like new religions, political secrets, and exploring new lands. Marlowe's plays show us what life was like back then, with all its good and bad points. He was a writer, poet, and spy, and his works are still important today because they show us how creative and curious people were during that time. As Harold Bloom has correctly said,

"Marlowe is the embodiment of the Renaissance spirit, with its passion for classical learning, its sense of wonder, and its unbridled ambition."

CONCLUSION

These characteristics demonstrate Marlowe's significant contribution to English literature, his innovative style, and his enduring influence on the literary world. Marlowe was, in fact the mouthpiece of the new age of the Renaissance. He was himself the lover of all those values which were held dear by the people of Renaissance. T.S. Eliot has correctly said appreciating Marlowe as a dramatist,

 "Marlowe's plays are remarkable for their dramatic power, their poetic beauty, and their profound insight into the human condition. He was a master of language, a virtuoso of verse, and a dramatist of unerring instinct." 

 

Chaucer as a Literary Figure

 

CHAUCER

 

INTRODUCTION:

Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343 - October 25, 1400) is widely regarded as the "Father of English poetry" due to his significant influence on the development of English literature. He is considered the first of the great moderns. In those dark days when the light of modernism had not yet been visible on the horizon, Chaucer anticipated the modern taste and the modern mind, and in his  poetry introduced qualities far in advance of his time. Chaucer made several contributions to English poetry and his debt is so great that it can never be repaid. John Dryden has correctly said appreciating Chaucer,

"Chaucer is the well of English undefiled, the first poet who wrote in our language, and the father of our poetry."

The following are various features of Chaucer’s poetry and his contribution to English Literature.

Established English As A Literary Language:

 Chaucer was one of the first writers to use English as a literary language, rather than Latin or French, which were the dominant languages of the time. This helped to establish English as a respected language for literature and poetry.

"As I kan, I wol telle yow my tale" (The Canterbury Tales, General Prologue, l. 15)

Thomas Warton has correctly said,

"Chaucer's works are the foundation of our literature, the soil in which our language has grown."

 Innovative use of language:

Chaucer's writing style was innovative for its time, using vernacular English, and incorporating elements of Middle English, Latin, and French. His use of language helped to shape the English language and influenced future generations of writers.

 

Derek Pearsall has correctly said,

"Chaucer's language is a remarkable blend of the poetic and the everyday, the elevated and the colloquial."

Development of English meter and rhyme:

Chaucer introduced the use of iambic pentameter and rhyme schemes, which became a hallmark of English poetry. His innovative use of meter and rhyme helped to create a sense of musicality and rhythm in English poetry.

"The lyf so short, the craft so long to lerne"

Realism:

Modern poetry is characterised by realism. The modern poet  is a keen observer of the various tendencies of his times which are  being put by him in poetry. This modern note of realism bad been sounded by Chaucer long ago in the 14th century. He made a  thorough study of his time in its varied aspects and gave expression  to its hopes and aspirations, its fears and doubts in The Canterbury Tales. Chaucer's works provide valuable insights into medieval life, culture, and society. His writing offers a window into the past, revealing the values, beliefs, and customs of the time. William Makepeace Thackeray has correctly said commenting on Chaucer’s realism,

"Chaucer's poetry is a mirror of medieval life, a reflection of the times, a window into the past."

Narrative Art:

Chaucer made notable contribution to the art of story-telling  and what Morris did later in Earthly Paradise was achieved by him  in The Canterbury tales. Chaucer's storytelling in "The Canterbury Tales" is remarkable. He weaves together many voices and stories, creating a "rich tapestry of human experience" (Donaldson). He is the supreme story teller. In his stories the narration, inspite of certain degressions and philosophical  reflections, is straightforward. He introduces humour in his narration and makes his stories life like and living. As critic V.A. Kolve notes,

 "Chaucer balances the particular and the universal, making his stories both personal and relatable".

Characterisation:

Chaucer made significant contribution to the art of characterisation. A.C. Ward has said,

"Chaucer is the first great painter of character because he is first great observer of it among European Writers”

 He presents his characters in a masterly manner. His characters are both individuals and types. They are timeless creations on a time-determined stage. Chaucer's characters in "The Canterbury Tales" are incredibly well-created and realistic. Critic Jill Mann says,

"Chaucer's characters are not just good or bad, but real people with their own unique personalities, experiences, and motivations"

 Chaucer uses small details, like the Wife of Bath's smile or the Pardoner's clothing, to show us who they are and what they value. This makes them relatable and memorable. Chaucer's characters are like a rich tapestry, showing us many aspects of human life.

 

Chaucer as the Representative of his Age:

Chaucer was a true representative of his age, reflecting the values, beliefs, and concerns of medieval England. As critic Derek Pearsall notes,

"Chaucer's work is a mirror held up to the society of his time".

Chaucer's writing reveals the social hierarchies, religious influences, and cultural norms of the 14th century. For example, his portrayal of the Knight and the Peasant in "The Canterbury Tales" highlights the class divisions of the time. As Chaucer himself wrote,

"The condition of man is to be born, to eat, to drink, and to die" (Chaucer, "The Canterbury Tales"),

 reflecting the medieval focus on mortality and the human condition. Through his work, Chaucer gives us a glimpse into the lives and values of medieval people.

Conclusion

Chaucer is widely regarded as the father of English poetry, and for good reason. As critic George Saintsbury says,

"Chaucer was the first to show the possibilities of the English language"

 He introduced a new style of writing that blended French, Latin, and English influences, creating a unique and expressive voice. Chaucer's use of language, meter, and imagery raised the bar for English poetry, making him a model for future generations. As Derek Pearsall notes,

"Chaucer's poetry is a benchmark for all subsequent English poetry"

 His influence can be seen in poets like Shakespeare and Milton, and his works remain a cornerstone of English literature. As Chaucer himself wrote,

"The wordes of the poetes be the wordes of the people" (Chaucer, "The Canterbury Tales"), highlighting the power of poetry to capture the essence of a culture.