Alexander Pope

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Alexander Pope's house at Twickenham

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Alexander Pope circa 1736

Alexander Pope dying

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Alexander Pope (21 May 1688 – 30 May 1744) was an English poet and satirist known for his use of the heroic couplet. He is considered one of the foremost poets of the early 18th century and a master of the Augustan Age in English literature.

Early Life

Alexander Pope was born in London to Alexander Pope, a linen merchant, and Edith (née Turner). Due to the Glorious Revolution and the subsequent Test Acts, the Pope family, being Catholic, faced numerous restrictions. In 1700, they moved to Binfield in Windsor Forest, where Pope's health, always fragile, could potentially benefit from the country air. His education was affected by the anti-Catholic laws, receiving much of it from private tutors and studying extensively on his own.

Literary Career

Pope's career began with the publication of Pastorals (1709), which he wrote at the age of 16. His early work already showcased his adeptness with the heroic couplet. An Essay on Criticism (1711) followed, containing famous lines such as "To err is human; to forgive, divine" and "A little learning is a dang'rous thing." This work was a critical success and established Pope as a significant literary figure.

His mock-heroic poem, The Rape of the Lock (1712, revised in 1714), is often considered his masterpiece, satirizing the petty aristocracy of his time with wit and elegance. The Dunciad (1728), a scathing critique of his literary rivals and the decline of taste, and An Essay on Man (1733-34), a philosophical poem reflecting on man's place in the universe, are among his other notable works.

Pope was also involved in translating Homer's Iliad and Odyssey into English, a monumental task that brought him financial stability and critical acclaim.

Themes and Style

Pope's work is characterized by its satirical tone, exploring themes of society, criticism, and morality. His mastery of the heroic couplet is unmatched, using it to convey complex ideas with clarity, precision, and beauty. His poetry often reflects his personal struggles, including his health issues and the challenges of being a Catholic in England.

Legacy

Alexander Pope's influence on English literature is profound. He shaped the Augustan Age's literary ideals and the development of the heroic couplet. His works have been studied, quoted, and admired since their publication for their wit, stylistic elegance, and insight into the human condition.

See Also

• Augustan literature
• Heroic couplet
• Satire in English literature