'An Account of The Greatest English Poets' by Joseph Addison
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Long had our dull forefathers slept supine,
Nor felt the raptures of the tuneful Nine;
Till Chaucer first, the merry bard, arose,
And many a story told in rhyme and prose.
But age has rusted what the poet writ,
Worn out his language, and obscur'd his wit;
In vain he jests in his unpolish'd strain,
And tries to make his readers laugh, in vain.
Old Spenser next, warm'd with poetic rage,
In ancient tales amus'd a barb'rous age;
An age that yet uncultivate and rude,
Where'er the poet's fancy led, pursu'd
Through pathless fields, and unfrequented floods,
To dens of dragons and enchanted woods.
But now the mystic tale, that pleas'd of yore,
Can charm an understanding age no more;
The long-spun allegories fulsome grow.
While the dull moral lies too plain below.
We view well-pleas'd at distance all the sights
Of arms and palfreys, battles, fields, and fights,
And damsels in distress, and courteous knights;
But when we look too near, the shades decay,
And all the pleasing landscape fades away.
Great Cowley then (a mighty genius) wrote,
O'er-run with wit, and lavish of his thought:
His turns too closely on the reader press;
He more had pleas'd us, had he pleas'd us less,
One glitt'ring thought no sooner strikes our eyes
With silent wonder, but new wonders rise;
As in the milky-way a shining white
O'er-flows the heavn's with one continu'd light,
That not a single star can show his rays,
Whilst jointly all promote the common blaze.
Pardon, great poet, that I dare to name
Th' unnumber'd beauties of thy verse with blame;
Thy fault is only wit in its excess,
But wit like thine in any shape will please.
What muse but thine can equal hints inspire,
And fit the deep-mouth'd Pindar to thy lyre;
Pindar, whom others, in a labour'd strain
And forc'd expression, imitate in vain?
Well-pleas'd in thee he soars with new delight,
And plays in more unbounded verse, and takes a nobler flight.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry: An Account of The Greatest English Poets
Joseph Addison’s work, Poetry: An Account of The Greatest English Poets, is a literary masterpiece that takes a deep dive into the history of English poetry. The book is a collection of essays that provide an insightful analysis and interpretation of the works of some of the greatest poets in English literature. Addison's work is a significant contribution to the study of poetry, and his eloquent style of writing makes it a joy to read.
Historical Context
The book was published in the early 18th century, a period known as the Augustan Age. This was a time of significant cultural and social change in England, and it saw the rise of several prominent poets, writers, and thinkers. Addison was an influential figure during this period, and his work helped to shape the literary landscape of the time. His essays on poetry were groundbreaking and helped to establish a new way of thinking about poetry as a form of art.
The Structure of the Book
The book is divided into two parts. The first part is a general account of English poetry, and the second part is a detailed analysis of the works of several poets, including John Milton, John Dryden, Alexander Pope, and William Shakespeare. Addison's essays are written in a conversational style and are easy to read. He uses a range of literary devices to make his arguments, including metaphor, analogy, and allusion.
The Significance of Addison's Work
Addison's work on poetry was groundbreaking in several ways. First, he was one of the first writers to argue that poetry should be judged based on its artistic merit rather than its popularity. Second, he was one of the first writers to argue that poetry should be written in a language that is accessible to the common people. Third, he was one of the first writers to argue that poetry should be based on reason rather than emotion.
Addison's Analysis of John Milton
Addison's analysis of John Milton's poetry is one of the highlights of the book. Milton is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in English literature, and Addison's essay provides a detailed analysis of his work. Addison argues that Milton's poetry is characterized by its grandeur, its beauty, and its moral purpose. He describes Milton's poetry as "sublime" and argues that it is a reflection of the author's own moral character.
Addison's Analysis of John Dryden
Addison's analysis of John Dryden's poetry is also noteworthy. Dryden was a prominent poet during the Restoration period, and his work is known for its wit and satire. Addison argues that Dryden's poetry is characterized by its clarity and its ability to appeal to the common people. He describes Dryden's poetry as "lucid" and argues that it is a reflection of the author's own wit and intelligence.
Addison's Analysis of Alexander Pope
Addison's analysis of Alexander Pope's poetry is perhaps the most extensive in the book. Pope is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in English literature, and Addison's essay provides a detailed analysis of his work. Addison argues that Pope's poetry is characterized by its clarity, its wit, and its moral purpose. He describes Pope's poetry as "brilliant" and argues that it is a reflection of the author's own intelligence and sense of morality.
Addison's Analysis of William Shakespeare
Addison's analysis of William Shakespeare's poetry is also noteworthy. Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest playwright in English literature, and his poetry is known for its beauty and its emotional depth. Addison argues that Shakespeare's poetry is characterized by its beauty, its emotional depth, and its ability to appeal to all levels of society. He describes Shakespeare's poetry as "magnificent" and argues that it is a reflection of the author's own understanding of human nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Joseph Addison's work, Poetry: An Account of The Greatest English Poets, is a literary masterpiece that provides an insightful analysis and interpretation of the works of some of the greatest poets in English literature. Addison's eloquent style of writing and his ability to use literary devices to make his arguments make this book a joy to read. Addison's work on poetry was groundbreaking and helped to establish a new way of thinking about poetry as a form of art. His essays on John Milton, John Dryden, Alexander Pope, and William Shakespeare provide a detailed analysis of their work and help to deepen our understanding of their contributions to English literature. Overall, Addison's work is a significant contribution to the study of poetry, and it deserves to be read and appreciated by anyone who loves literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is an art form that has been cherished by people for centuries. It is a medium that allows us to express our deepest emotions, thoughts, and feelings in a way that is both beautiful and profound. Joseph Addison, a renowned English essayist, poet, and playwright, recognized the importance of poetry and its impact on society. In his work, "An Account of the Greatest English Poets," Addison provides a detailed analysis of some of the most influential poets in English literature. In this article, we will delve into Addison's work and explore the significance of his analysis.
Addison's "An Account of the Greatest English Poets" was first published in 1694 in The Spectator, a daily publication that Addison co-founded with Richard Steele. The work is a collection of essays that provides a comprehensive analysis of the most prominent poets in English literature. Addison's analysis is not only informative but also engaging, as he provides a detailed account of the poets' lives, works, and their impact on society.
One of the most significant aspects of Addison's work is his emphasis on the importance of poetry in society. He argues that poetry is not just a form of entertainment but also a means of educating and inspiring people. Addison believes that poetry has the power to shape people's thoughts and beliefs, and that it can be used to promote virtue and morality. He writes, "Poetry is a kind of ingenious picture of human life, representing its passions and humours, its virtues and vices, in such colours as are most engaging to the imagination."
Addison's analysis of the poets is also noteworthy. He provides a detailed account of their lives, their works, and their impact on society. He begins with Geoffrey Chaucer, whom he considers the father of English poetry. Addison praises Chaucer's ability to capture the essence of human nature in his works, and he notes that Chaucer's influence can be seen in the works of later poets such as John Dryden and Alexander Pope.
Addison also analyzes the works of John Milton, whom he considers one of the greatest poets in English literature. He praises Milton's ability to create vivid and powerful images in his works, and he notes that Milton's influence can be seen in the works of later poets such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Addison writes, "Milton's poetry is like a vast and beautiful landscape, full of grandeur and majesty."
Addison's analysis of Alexander Pope is also noteworthy. He praises Pope's ability to use satire and wit to criticize society and its flaws. Addison notes that Pope's influence can be seen in the works of later poets such as Jonathan Swift and Samuel Johnson. Addison writes, "Pope's poetry is like a sharp and witty sword, cutting through the hypocrisy and pretension of society."
In addition to his analysis of individual poets, Addison also provides a broader analysis of the development of English poetry. He notes that English poetry has evolved over time, from the works of Chaucer to the works of the contemporary poets of his time. Addison argues that this evolution is a reflection of the changing values and beliefs of society. He writes, "As society changes, so does poetry. It reflects the hopes, fears, and aspirations of the people."
Overall, Addison's "An Account of the Greatest English Poets" is a significant work that provides a comprehensive analysis of some of the most influential poets in English literature. Addison's emphasis on the importance of poetry in society, his detailed analysis of individual poets, and his broader analysis of the development of English poetry make this work a valuable resource for anyone interested in English literature. Addison's work is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to shape our thoughts, beliefs, and values.
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