Lesson -10 AGF OF ADDISON AND STEELE The age in which Joseph Addison and Richard Steele lived,

is calico: the Augustan age. The Literature produce during this period is the; literature of the town. The London of this age is more alive to us through Literature than the London of Shakespeare. We can see its ill paved streets, the running gutter, the Grub street, where obscure authors thought with debts and starvaion, the Flect, the river Thames and the pleasure gardens where the society drank and flirted,

This age also witnessed a remarkable political consciousness. the party spirit ran high and incluenced the literary writer. The nation was divided into two parties of Whig and Tory. Man parphiets were written to work on the public mind. Such a political situation had a direct impact on be minds of the men of letters. Some of then had to ally themselves with one party or the other since their fortunes were determined n their political leanings,

Addison and Steele became famous when there sere two irreconcilable classes. Men posed themselves as atheists and women in the higher circle read little but followed the French romances. The middle class people rose to prominence by visiting the coffee houses, which is a special feature of the eighteenth century. They kept themselves away from the medieval fanaticism and brutality and upheld modernation, restraint and decency in all sphere of life. They also established a new standard of life, culture, honor and religion. The success of the middle class was not complete until Addision and Steele had discovered in what quarter to look for the moment and in what form to reveal to men their own ideas. These two writers collaborated with the spirit of the age and so they became important figures of the new age.

The political, commercial, or social conditions favoured the rise of a new kind of prose literature, and tendered to give prose a wider influence. The prose was written in a higher or more amusing forms, people of this period invited such easy and entertaining reading. Thus started the periodicals
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containing brief essay, sketches and sometimes stories and these pleased the taste of the town. Addison and steels worked together in writing the periodical essays. These essays pictures some aspects of the life of the day.

RICHARD STEELE (1672-1729) Richard Steele was an Irishman and a soldier. He was a horn at Dublin in 1672. His father was an Englishman and the secretary to the Duke of Ormond. When Steele was only five years old, his father died. After his fathers death, he was sent to the charter house school on the nomination of the Duke or Ormond. There he became friendly with Addison. Five years later he left the school and entered the Merton College, Oxford, Here he was esteemed as a classical scholar, but he left the university without taking a degree. He gained the favor colonedl Lord cutts and rose to the rank of captain and then started writing. He first published the Christian Hero in which he persuaded educated men into accepting Bible as a moral counsellor. He advocated the idea that the principles of religion can make a man great. In 1701, he broughtout a comedy called The Funeral which shows Steele s skill in plot construction. He wrote The Lying Lover in 1703 and The Tendr Husband in 17055 in whick Steele makes an attempt to amuse and instruct the audience. He teaches the lesson that Vice never triumphs though virtue may suffer. So he is regarded a the founder of sentimental comedy.

Character of Richard Steele He was a quick-tempered. impulsive and something of a Bohemiain. He was a brilliant scholar, he adopted the habit of drinking very early. Equally did he cultivate the habit of reckless spending. He had a smaller knowledge of human frailties, Steeles was a man of good conscience. He believed in righteous conduct and the dicates of conscience.

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JOSEPH ADDISON (1672 -1719)

Joseph Addison was barn on May 1. 1672 at Milston near Amhroseburg in Wiltshire. His father, Mr. Lancelot Addison was a recto. At the time of his birth. Addison vas so puny and frail that he was christened the same day, lest i.e should die

Addison began his education at home. Then he was admitted at Charterhouse school. After schooling he entered Queens College. Oxford where he earned fame for his Latin compositions. When he was studying at Magdaien College. he stored his mind with a with and wisdom. He visited France. Italy. Switzerland and Holland and on his return to England, he started writing poems. He became a member of the parliament from 1708 till his death in 1719.

Addison in spite of his busy official life, contributed articles to Steels The father. He ad the essay with the air and graces of cultured writing. He followed steele in the use of colloquial style but tried to perfect the essay form. J.H. Fowler has said .... We are justified in ran Addison and his friend Steele as the founders of modern English essays and prose.

In 1703 Addison wrote Dialogues upon the usefulness of Ancient Medals. The Lord Treasurer invited Addison to write a poem celebrating the victory of Bleheim. Addison obliged and w rote The Gompaign a poem, To his Grance the Duke of Mar/borough, in 1713 he wrote. Cato, a traged produced at Druary Lane Theatre. Addison also contributed to Steles The Guardian. ills last undertaking was The Freeholder a party magazine published twice a week.

His later life was unhappy. His wife. countres Dowager of Warwick was arrogant and his step-son was very unfriendly. Besides his unhappy family
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life, he had quarrels with his good friends like Pope, Swift and even Steele He was a shy and reserved man. This made him ineffective in parliament. Moreover his health declined and he passed away in 1719.

Addison and Steele - a Comparison Addison and Steele worked together in contributing essays to The Tatler and The Spectator. As essayists, a comparisbn is always made between Addison and Steele. Steeles genius was unequal generous and impulsive. His humour is delightifully kind and genial. Addison was more superficial both in choice and treatment. The chief charm lies in his simplicity and the words and the meaning flow easily. While Steele is more original Addison is more effective. Steele is communicative, adventurous, Bohemain, easy going but full of generosity, sympathy and Jove for the good. Addison is a polished gentleman with a refinement of taste, lofty ideas but he is very shy and selfconscious.

Hugh Walker writes I Addison the head is dominant, in steele the heart; hence the foner is far more typical of his time than the latter Both the writers contributed equally to The Spectator The lead was taken up by Addison with the description of the spectator nd Steele followed with the portraits of the members of the spectators club. Both of them delineated the character of Sir Roger Coverely, who repreire. sented a typical English gentleman. They wrote good humouredly and made ample allowance for the ordinary failings of humanity but at the same time exposed the claims of good sense and decency. By their essays they guided and developed the taste of the people. They achieved their objectives by the employment of wit humour and Satire.

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The Spectators Account of Himself: Summary: The Spectator begins the essay by saying that the readers appreciate he work of art only when they know the appearance, age and race of the author. They will never be satisfied until they come to know the full particular of the writers private life. In order to satisfy their curiosity, Addison begins the essay in which he gives an account of himself and his other companions.

The Spectator first tells us his life story. He was born in a small hereditary estate which had remained the same since the days of William, the conquerer. There is a story about his mother who dreamt before he was born that her son was going to be a judge. The Spectator thinks that the cause of this strange dream might have been the fact of his father being a justice of the peace or perhaps a law suit in the family. But he confesses that from his very early stage, he was of a grave disposition.

At school, he was very sullen though he happened to be a favourite to his teacher. He used to speak very little. But the Spectator utilized the time of by reading plenty of books.

After his fathers death, the spectator decided to travel to foreign countries to enrich his knowledge. Since he was roused by the controversies about the antiquities of Egypt, he visited Cairo, to measure a pyramid. When he returned to London, he frequented the different public places. He was seen among the politicians at Wills Coffee house at Childs overhearing the conservation at every table. On Sundays he visited St. James coffee house. He also frequented the Grecian, Cocoa Tree and the theatres, Drury Lane and Hay-Market. People thought of him as a merchant upon the Exchange and the stock jobbers mistook him to be a Jew. Thus the Spectator mingled with everyone though he never opened his mouth.

To know more about the Spectator. we can see that he is well versed in private matters and domestic affair. he is a stander by in the true sense of www.onlinecampus.net.in Page 5 of 25 www.msuonline.net.in

the term and assuresus that he will continue to play the role of a Spectator in this essay. Since he cannot place himself before the public he has decided to write every morning for the benefit of his countrymen. He then apologizes to his readers for giving information about his name, age and lodgings, for the fear of facing different people, sohe prefers to keep his identity a secret.

The Spectator concludes saying that the would give the account of his other companions in the next paper. He ends the essay requesting his readers to send their letters addressed To the Spectator at Mr. Buckleys Little Britain. Critical Remarks: In this article, we have a humourous portrait of Addison. There is a touch of autobiography in what is said of the Spectators College career and his travels. Addisons style is remarkable. His language is clear and simple and avoids profound, difficult and complex thought. Note: Hereditary estate - Proeprty, from an ancestor to a descendant. Coral - a childs toy with silver bells attached to it. Nonage - legal minority Wills - coffee house, meeing place of men of letters. Childs - Coffee house, patronized, by the clergy. St. James - a resort of the whigs Grecian - the oldest coffee-house in London Jonathans - a coffee - house where the stock Exchange was held Drury Lane & Hay Market - a market for hay and straw from Elizabeths time The Exchange - refers to the Royal Exchange in the city Stock - jobbers - people who deal in the shares of Corporation To print myself out - to put my thoughts on paper. Buckley - refers to Samuel Buckely publisher of the Spectator Little Britain - the great quarter of the booksellers.
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OF THE CLUB (Steele) In this article, the Spectator gives an account of his companions. The first gentleman he talks of is Sir. Roger de covenley. a baronet of Worcestershire. The country dance which hears his name was invented by his great grandfather. He was unique and singular in character. According to him the world is all wrong. But this uncommon qualities do not make him enemy to other people. Sir, Roger was a gentleman and a baronet in the true sense of the term. But after his disappointment in love with a beautiful window, he grew careless and lost all interest in his dress. So his dress appeared out of fashion. He is fifty - six and has a cheerful temperament. So every one likes his company. As for his professional aspect, Sir. Roger is a justice of the quorum and carries out his duties with great ability. The way he explained a passage in the Game Act brought him universal applause.

The next gentleman of the club is another bachelor, who is a member of the Inner Temple. he is a learned man in the classics. But his father forced him to study laws of the land. As a result he got the help of an attorney and answers the questions relating to marriage articles, leases and tenures. He is itnerested in the passions and gives more importance to the arguments of Demosthenes and Tully than to those of the law courts. This makes him both disinterested and agreeable. He is a regular theatre -goer. On his way to the theatre he visits Wills coffee house to have a chat with his friends,

The next important person in Sir. Andrew Freeport. a merchant. He is an industrious and well-experienced man. As he is acquainted with trade in all parts of the British seas, he has achieved a vast knowledge of it. According to him hard work proves to be better than Valour. He feels that England can become rich if she follows his method. Sir. Andrew is a simple and agreeable companion.

Captain Sentry is the next member. He is a brave person who served gallantly as a captain in the army. As he could not exhibit his talents. he left
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the service. He was too modest to make his service prominent. He has a lot of experience about military life. The write observes that he is not over bearing though he has been accustomed to command men below him.

Will Honey Comb. though aged. takes particular cane about his dress and appearance to keep up a young face, he pleases every one by his pleasant conversation. He is well experienced and can trace the origin of any mode of fashion easily. He can also supply people with historical personages and their love affairs, such interesting conversation of Will Honey Comb made the entire club happy.

The last person mentioned is a clergyman. He visits the club rarely but whenever he comes, he puts every man into a better humour. He is a philosophic and learned man. Although weak. he gives has opinions on important religious matters a: the proper time.

Critical Remarks: The characters introduced in this article are artistic creations. Steele has portrayed the characters with the tenderness of heart and wide

acquaintance with human life. He emphasies the fact the good behaviour is the most remarkable aspect of social life. He use irony he referred to the Game Act.

He also attempts humour in the presentation of the Tempiar and his father.

In command of words he is not equal to Addison. His choice is much less felicitous.

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SIR ROGER AT HOME (Addison) The Spectator visited Sir. Roger at his country house. Knowing his reserved nature, Sir. Roger left him alone and asked his gentlemen not be disturb him.

The servants of Sir.Roger were all sober and loved their master. Since Sir.Roger also loved his domestics, they never thought of leaving him. His Valet de Chamber appeared to be his brother. His butler was also old. SirRoger was kind even to his animals - dog and horse - for he has kept them carefully at home though they have grown old.

The Spectator observed how his servants reacted at the arrival of Sir. Roger at his country house. Some of them could not control their tears when they saw him after a long time and almost every one wanted to do something to please him. Sir. Roger, in his turn, inquired after their health. This character by Sir. Roger attracted all the servants towards him.

Sir. Rogers old butler, who was very wise, took care of the Spectator. But the Spectators Chief companion was the clergyman, who was very simple and of a sociable temper. Sir.Roger, while walking with the the spectator told him how he appointed him in his parish. As he desired a clergy man of palm sense, a clear voice and a sociable temper he contacted his friends at the university to look for a simple man, with his friends recommendation, he appointed him in his parish. Sir. Roger continued to give more information about this priest, by saying that he solved the problems of his parishers and so no one went to the court. He also faithfully read out the sermons given to him by Sir. Roger, on every Sunday. When Sir. Rioger was giving this information about the clergy, the gentleman himself came there to meet him to inform him about the arrangements he had made for the sermons every sunday for the whole year.

Later, one Sunday, when the Spectator saw him the pulpit, he was impressed by his gracefulness of figure and delivery. The way he preached remind him of a graceful actor reciting a poem. The Spectator concludes his
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essay by wishing that more of the country clergy should follow the example of this venerable gentleman. Instead of wasting their time in composing their own sermons, they should make use of the famous seemons written by great masters.

Critical Remark: Addison becomes the real creator of the immortal character. Sir Roger. He acquaints us with the household of Sir Roger. There is a satirical aloofness in the description of the goodness of the master as seen in the old dog. This essay is a minute study of the character of Sir .Roger. The writer adds gentle humour to make the essay interesting. Note: Domestics - Household servants Valet de chambre - a man servant Backgammon - a game played on a board by two persons with fifteen chekers. Bishop of st .Asaph - Dr. William Fleeet\vood. Arch bisho tilloston Bishop Sounderson - Divines of Addisons age

THE COVERLEY HOUSEHOLD (Steele) The grand reception given to the spectator at Sir. Rogers country house confirmed the fact that the behaviour of the servants depends on that of their masters. The servants of Sir. Roger were always near him eager to help him. This is because he was very kind and never was haughty. This nature of Sir Roger attracted all the servants. The behaviour of the servant at Sir Roger was completely different from that of the other house holds.

The manner in which he deals with servants is a unique feature in his character. As a result of this he lives more lie a prince than as a master for they feel proud to serve him.
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Sir Rogers manner of rewarding his servants also deserves mention. According to him. giving old clothers to the servants has a bad effect. It breeds a sense of equality among them. Sir Roger told the spectator a story about a young man who abused his servants in the same coat, which was once his favourite one. He also narrated the story of a lady who used to punish and reward her maids by giving them, had and good dresses. But Sir Rogers gifts rank higher than these trifles. He gives complete independence for a good servant. Such a reward encourages the succeeding servants to be humble and diligent. Most of his tenants under Sir. Roger were his former servants.

The masters kindness is not limited to his servants hut extends to the sons and grand children of his domestics. The Old knights gratefulness to his servants was seen by the Spectator in picture - gallery in Sir. Rogers home. He saw a painting which represented two youngmen standing in a river. The one in uniform supporting Sir. Roger was his former servant, who saved his life. In remembrance of his service, Sir Roger made a gift of a large estate to him. Critical Remarks:

This essay is about the behaviour of the masters with their servants. Steele has seen the usual inhuman attitude of people towards their servants. Here he praises Sir. Roger for rewarding his servants with complete independence from his service. The representation of Sir Roger in complete contrast with the picture given by Addison. Addison paints him with an ironical aloofiess.

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Note: Man of the house - Sir.Roger Parties - the master and the servant

Bounties Charitable gifts Manumissi ion - release from servitude Liver - a distinctive dress worn by the servants - a sort of uniform.

CHARACTER OF WILL WIMBLE (Addison) While the Spectator was walking with Sir Roger, a country fellow came to him with a huge fish which was sent by William Wimble. He also sent a letter to Sir Roger in which he expressed the hope of coming to him soon. Since the Spectator wanted to know about him, he was told that Will Wimble was a younger brother to a baronet. His age was between forty and fifty. He spent his time ialv by making trifles for the women folk. He made nets and garters and presented them to his friends. So he became a favourite with all people.

When will Wimble himself came to Sir. Roger the old knight welcomed him warmly. Will asked the knight to lend him a servant to carry a box of Shuttlecocks to a lady. After this he informed the Spectator of his adventures in hunting. The Spectator was impressed by the interesting behaviour of Will. Then they all had dinner. Thee first dish served was the fish caught by Will. On seeing this he had a long narration of how he had hooked the fish, fbiled it and brought it to the bank. The next dish, a wild fowl furnished Will with an interesting subject for conversation.

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When the Spectator retired to his room. he thought about Will Wimble. He pitied him. Although he had a good heart and a busy hand. he was not trained properly. So he was wasting his energy on trifles. The Spectator was of the opinion that if only he had attempted any other occupation, he could have raised his fortune in another station of life. His services then would have been more beneficial. This is the case with most of the younger brothers of a great family to England.

The Spectator imagined that Will might have tried at divinity or law, but when he failed in these, his family gave him up and left him to his own choice

Critical Remarks: Addison relates the tragedy of a younger son of a great family. Will Wimble was noble and industrious, but unfortunately his labour was directed to mere trifles. But he was a busy man. Addison obser es. if only this busy mind had been diverted into a proper channel the world might have profited by Wills Services. Addison condemns the age - old conventions of the noble families. The nobles would rather see their children starve than would allow them to choose a common trade.

Note may - fly - an anglers fly made to imitate a May fly Cock pheasant - a game bird - noted for its brilliant plumage and its delicate flesh. Quail pipe - a whistle imitating the cry of the quail for enticing them to the net. Liberat art - law, divinity, physic etc.. Sir Rogers Aneestors(Steel)

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Summary: The Spectator went round the picture - gallery of Sir. Roger. When the knight came there, he gave an account of his ancestors. He first talked of the change on dress and manners through ages the old fahsioned vast jetting coat and small bonnet, which were worn by the yeoman of guard.

Sir. Roger then pointed to the picture of an ancestor and said that he was a gallant and chivalrous fellow. He fought a dual and won a maid of honour. His wife. whom he had won in the dual wore a dress which resembled the modem petticoat. She pro ed himself to be an excellent country wife and she had ten children. Sir, Roger next showed the pictures of three sisters. Two of them, who were beautiful, died as maidens. The other one was kidnapped by a neighbouring gentleman. who was very have and poisoned three mastiffs and knocked don two deer-steales, in order to carry her off. The next heir to their estate was a very soft man. He was a spendthrift. When he left the estate it was found that he owed ten thousand pounds to other people. The debt lay heavy on the Coverley house for one generation. But latter they were relieved by the kindness of an unknown gentleman, who bore the same name but not related to the Coverleys. At that time Sir Andrew Freeport, who came behind them said that gentleman was a desendant of one of the ten children of that maid of honour. Sir, Roger looked embrassed and so the Spectator turned to the next picture. The knight said that it was Sir Humphry de Coverley. He was a very punctual tradesman and a generous gentleman be seldom broke his promise. He was a member of the House of Commons. His remarkable features were the innocence of life and great ability. He spent his money in the service of his friends and neighbours.

The Spectator and Sir Roger were then called for dinner and so the knight concluded his account by narrating how Sir Humphrey narrowly escaped being killed in the civil war.

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Critical Remarks Steeles style is simple and perfect. This can be seen clearly by his choice of words. In this article, we can read the warmth of the duel, the peculiar dresses of the age, the chivalry of the gentleman who carried off one of the sisters. We also get a picture of typical feudal English aristocratic family.

Note: Gallery - The picture-gallery. There are picture galleries in almost all aristocratic feudal homes. Yeoman of the guard - In England. a soldier of the body guard of the sovereign. White hail - a royal palace Bass- viol - An orchestral instrument similar in shape to the Violin Mastiffs - A bread of large and courageous dogs, valued as watch - dogs. Knight of the shire - Members of the House of Commons for the country Battle of Worccstor - Battle the took place on September 3rd 1651, when Cromwell defeated Charles.

On Ghosts and Apparitions (Addison) Summary A little distance from Sir. Rogers house, there was an old Abbey. The elm trees among the ruins were very high. The Spectator was much impressed by the height of the trees. There was rumour that this place was haunted. The butler warned him not to go there after sunset, for many people had seen ghosts.

The ruins of the Abbey was a church yard previously. So there were marks of the graves. Moreover, there was echo in that place. All these made the supersititious people believe that the place was frequented by ghosts.
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The Spectator then thought of John Lockes Association of ideas and the case of goblins and spirits. These objects are connected with night, though they have nothing to do with darkness. If this thought is impressed on the mind of a child, he will not be able to separate goblins from darkness. The Spectator remembered this while walking along the path, and suddently he saw a cow grazing. He realized that this sight might have frieghtened a supertitious man to be a headless horse.

Sir Roger has often told the Spectator how his house was also subject of a baseless story. He said how three parts by his house were completely useless, since the best room was said to be hunted for a butler had hanged himself there. After his mothers death, Sir Roger

had opened all the rooms and did a lot to disperse the fears of the housemates. He asked the clergy to exercise the haunted rooms.

The Spectator concludes the essay with Lucretius philosophy, that is. the soul did not exist apart from the body. He believed in the appearance of persons after death. According to Addison, such a theory is absurd.

Critical Remarks: Addison attacks the superstitions of the people. He doesnt believe in ghost and spirits. So he redicules the rural life. Inspite of his views on ghosts and appartition, Addison could not reject the conventional idea of the reappearance of the dead. So he quotes Lucratius.

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Note: John Locke - (1632 - 1704) a farnour English philosopher. Goblins - Mischievous spirits of an ugly shape Spirits - Ghosts. Exercised - Free and purified from unclean spirits Dissipated - Dispersed Lucretius - A Roman poet. of I.B.C. He wrote the poem De Rerum Nature. Sir. Roger at Church (Addison) The Spectator is fond of a Sunday in a country He feels that keeping of the Sabbath is the best way of civilizing and purifying the people. On Sundays the whole village - folk appear in their best to meet and pray together.

Sir Roger has decorated the interior of his church with verses chosen from the Bible. He has also presented a pulpit - cloth and has erected railings around the communion table. Since he took much interest in the spiritual life of his parishioners, he encouraged them to be regular to church by giving each a hassock and a common prayer hook. FTc also employed a choir master who instructed the people to sing correctly. Sir Roger was also very particular in keeping the discipline of his church. He would not allow anyone to sleep in the church. His ecentricities could be seen when he lengthens out the verse of a hymn or when he utters Amen three or four times to the same prayer.

He never allows anyone to disturb the sermon. He used to warn an idle man even by interrupting the sermon. Once the warned John Mathews for kicking his heels during the sermon. This sort of odd behaviour of Sir. Roger doesnt make him unpopular. On the contrary, the common people think high of him. They respected him so much that they used to wait for him to leave the church first.

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The knight encouraged the little children by presenting Bibles to those who answered well on a catechising day. He also added five pounds a year to the clerks salary just to encourage the young boys to behave decently in the church.

Next Addison. talks about the mutual understanding between the chaplain and Sir Roger. In the near by village, there was no coordination between the squire and the parson. Due to such relationship. Sir Roger made his people atheist and the parson. in his turn, threatened the Squire and the parson spoilt the religious faith of the villagers, and so they ceased the pay the tax to the church and followed the rich, who paid little respect to the church.

Critical Remarks: Addison describes the spiritual life of Sir Roger. he is very religious and God fearing. Addison also points out satirically Sir Rogers odd behaviour in the church .At that same time he has respect for the knights enthusiasm in making the people religious. To make this clear, Addison quoted the story of the next village. Where the villages have turned into athetists as a result of the quarrel between the squire and the parson.

Notes: Pulpit - cloth - Pulpit was usually made of wood. and a cloth used to cover it is called pulpit - cloth. Hassock - A stuffed cushion for kneeling on in the church. Congregation - An assembly of persons for religious workship Catechising day - A day set aside for Catechism. which is a form of religious instruction by means of questions and answers. Squire - The chief landed proprieto1 of a village Tithe Stealers - Tithes are the tenth part of the produce of the land as offered to the clergy. Those who cheat the amount of tithes are called Tithe stealers. Pray... Congregation - Pray for him by name in the church to brand him as a sinner.
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9. His Account of His Disappointment in Love (Steele) Summary: Sir. Roger has met with a failure in love in his youth. When both Sir Roger and the Spectator went for a walk. the knight conversed with him about the perverse widow with whom he had fallen in love. He recollected the past when he walked with her amidst the trees. The Spectator was pleased to hear his friend discussing the much avoided subject with him. The knight narrated the story how he came to his estate when he was twenty-two, When he attained the age of twenty three, he became the Sheriff of the country and he went to the assizes neatly dressed. He was attracted by the pretty glance of a beautiful widow and so took her case first.

This pretty widow was very graceful during the proceedings of the trial. She won the case. She had many admirers and b her*beauty turned them all to be her slaves.

Since this perverse widow had placed Sir Rogers name at the topmost in the list of her admirers, he tried to win her love. In order to rivers her, the ordered new dresses, new livertries and new horses. When he was admitted into her presence, she have a long lecture on love and honour. She also asked him to give this views on these topics. Sir Roger was at a loss how to answer and so sat there without opening his mouth for halt-an-hour and then left the place. After this, he had met her many times hut he could not take part in the discussion. This kept him away from her and he came to the conclusion that he could love her only with the courage of conquering me Sphinx. According to him her speech was musical and her form anelgic. She was intimitable to all women and inaccessible to all men

After listing to this, the spectator, led him towards the house. He thought that this unfortunate episode in Sir Rogers life was the cause of all inconsistencies in his behaviour. Steele end; toe essay with an epigram of Martial, the Latin Poet.
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Critical Remarks: Steele gives a sensitive description of Sir Rongers disappointment in love. We can see the son sorrowful mood of the write in this article. Since he narrates in the mood, the incidents that he has recalled were of the most heart rending charater. We are sad to read about Sir Rogers disappointment in love.

Note: Perverse Widow Wayward Widow Mrs. Bovey Assizes - Session o1ourt held in intervals, by a judge - a dunce Sphinx - A monster having a body of a winged lion and a womens head and breasts, according to Greek mythology. At theses she killed the travellers who are not able to solve a riddle of hers. Tansy - a favourite dish in the seventeenth century, Martial - A Latin poet famous for his epigrams. Dum tacet hencloquitur - Even when silent talks of her (ie) shows by his behaiour that he is ever thinking of her

On the Shame and Fear of Poverty (Steele) The Spectator is of the opinion that economy in ones financial affairs has a good lust as a proper breading affects ones conversation. But people try to be artificial both in their financial and day-to-day behaviour

One day some country gentleman came to dine at Sir Rogers house. One among them appeared to be very greedy of wine. He as rich but was greatly in debt. Although he had an estate the refused to SC1I it because he thought that he would become less rich by selling even a part oft. So he endured the torment of poverty. As a result of this, his house was not clean and has to bear many inconveniences.
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Next the Spectator talks of a commander, who wanted to take charge of the whole country rather than of a small pass. This vanity mined him completely. The shame of poverty reduced him to dishonour. This is the case with many land - owners in Great Britain. They are miserable from the false shame of poverty.

The Spectator then gives us the examples of Laertes, the rich man and Irus, the poor. Laertes has property worth fifteen hundred pounds but it was mortgaged for 6000 pounds. If he sells part of his land, he may be able to pay off his debt. But he was very stubborn not to seel it for fear of becoming an equal it his poor neighbour, Irus. He was actually ashamed of poverty. Irus, on the other hand was motivated by the fear of poverty. So to keep away from poverty, he reduced his expenses and remained poorer than Laertes.

The Spectator explains his views with the help of Cowley s works. Cowley has described the position of such men. The Spectator feels that people should be careful from the beginning as to the amount of their expenditure. According to him the calculated economy would prevent them from envying those who are richer than they, and from looking down upon the poor.

Critical Remarks: Steele Beautifully pictures the character of a common English man. He condemns the shallow aristocratic pride and the way of thinking. He has given us the picture of Irus, who follows a moderate path. While the shame of poverty makes Laertes goes every day a step nearer to it The fear of poverty stires up Irus to make every day some further progress from it.

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Note: Libertine Small pass Laertes Irus Elegant author - unrestrained - a pass in the mountain - king of Itheca in Greece - Beggar in Greece - Bishop Sprath

Mr. Cowleys great Vulgar - The rich described by Cowley.

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION 1. What qualities of the typical Englishman are found in Sir Roger de Coverley? The charm of the essays in Covereley papers lies in the character of Sir Roger de Coverley. The different essays portray the life and behaviour of this typical Englishman.

The manner in which Addison presents Sir Roger is different from that of Steeles Steele in his essay Of the Club represents him as a jovial country gentleman. a lover of mankind with such a happy behaviour that he is beloved rather than esteemed. But Addison makes him an eccentric, a rustic, autocratic self- important and credulous man.

Sir Roger is introduced as a man of unique behaviour, but his singularities proceed from good sense. He is conceived as a fine gentleman, very cheerful, gay and hearty and keeps a good house both in town and country. He thus represents a typical eighteenth century country gentleman.

Sir. Roger is highly sympathetic and compassionate towards his servants. In return they are anxious about his welfare that if he coughs or betrays an infirmity of old age, it is easy for a stander - by to observe a secret concern in the looks of all his servants. The knight is endowed with goodness at heart. www.onlinecampus.net.in Page 22 of 25 www.msuonline.net.in

Sir. Rogers eccentric behaviour can be seen in his love affair with an old perverse widow with whom he fell in love and also at church when he lengtheis out a verse in the singing of psalm and in pronouncing Amen three or four times. In all his eccentricities, there is not an exaggerated departure from the normal. In fact, there is great deal of humaneness about his character.

The object of the essayists is not to laught at Sir Roger, but to ridicule the society which considers manners as more valuable than morals. So we can say that Sir Rogers character is caricature not of an individual but of a society at large.

2. Consider the Coverley Papers as a record of English social life in the eighteenth century. Addison and steele aimed at social and moral reformation of the society in which they lived. Both the writers exposed the false arts, vanity and affectations and recommended simplicity in dress, discourse, and behaviour. Their purpose was to restore and renovate morality.

When we read their essays we seem to live in the eighteenth century, since they reflect the eighteenth century English life. The gay fopperies, the dances, the club-sittings and gossips, cock-hunting etc. find a faithful portrayal in these essays. Besides the club and social activities of London.., the essays throw light on the fashiions of the time. Younger sons like will Honeycomb dedicated their lives to worship fashion.

Addison also talks of the religious condition of the age by portraying the country squire like Sir Roger who used to visit the church every sunday. He also writes about the relationship between the squire and the village parson.

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Addisons essays give a faithful representation of the contemporary life. The subject matter of these essays is varied. Both the essayists have written about witches. a chat about new woman, a discourse on clubs, the art of living together, the duties of family-life, the stauts of women in society and amusements. thus the readers get a clear idea of the society.

3. Addisons Style Addison is regarded as one of the masters of English prose and as one of the greatest prose stylists. His style has no pretensions, and no affectation. It is free from all obscurities, ambiguities. complexities. and superfluities.

Addisons language is not too figurative. He uses a few as on would use in conversation. Since his style is not very difficult and heavy. Dr. Johnson calls his style the middle style. This style is between the grave, stately diction of formal writing and the free and easy speech of every day. He adopted this style which suited for addressing a wide circle of subjects.

4. Write a note an Addisons humour, and irony, illustrating from the essays you have read. Addisons special gift is his ironical, tolerant and gentlemanly humour. His humour is frank and humane. His satires are mild and different from that of Swift and Pope. When we read his essays we can find that his humour results from the eccentricities, absurdities and oddities of his characters. Sir. Roger de Cogerleys is a comic character and his eccentric behaviour is a source of laughter and humour.

The essay Sin Roger at Church is full of iornical humour. He will sleep during the sermon but will never allow anybody to sleep beside him. He will also count the number of the people present by standing while everyone else is upon their knees. The incongruity in the behaviour of the knight is the main source of humour,

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Addisons humour mainly arises from his satirical vein which is mild and laughter provoking. There is simple humour in many of the essays of Addison. Besides Sir Roger, there are many other characters on whom Addison has effected healthy humour (e.g.) will Wimble.

Addisons essays are full of humour, irony and satire. But his humour is free from ill feeling and provides entertainment.

Bibliography 1. Hugh Walker - English Satire and Satirists 2. Bond F. Donald - Critical Essays from the Spectator 3. Courthope, W.J. Addison 4. Lobban JH. - Addison: The Spectator 5. Myerc O. M. The Coverlev Papers from the Spectator. 6. David Daiches A Critical History of English Literature

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