Addison as an essayist

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Addison as an essayist

 


Addison is well known for his prose style, grace and elegance along with Richard Steele. He published his Spectator along with Steele in the year 1711. Addison wrote 214 essays out of 554. The purpose of writing this essay is to teach morality with wit. He sought not only to educate his audience but to regulate their passions and promote self – discipline, tolerance and moderation. His essays were instrumental in spreading wisdom. He tried to refine his readers. So, he brings out the little vanities and all the big vices of his time with gentle humor and kind ridicule. Thus, the aim of spectator is to “enliven morality with wit and to temper wit with morality”.

Addison’s essays serve as a vehicle for the formation of “common sense views”. In fact, he was the most genius person to teach wisdom to the people of his age.  Johnson regards Addison “as a describer of life and manners, he must be allowed the first of the first rank…”. Addison stands remarkable in the art of characterization. His characters are drawn from different walks of life. Sir Roger de Coverley is one of the best-known characters.  He is an old country gentleman portrayed as lovable and eccentric. Hugh walker quotes “All Addison’s principal literary gifts, a delicate taste, a keen sense of humor and an insight into character are united in the characters of Sir Roger De Coverley”.

Thus, Addison and Steele became the chief architects of public opinion. The excellence of his writing will ensure that his memory will not perish, for his essays are included in anthology in English Literature.

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