Addison and Steele's Contribution in English Prose
Joseph Addison is one of the
greatest of English essayists. His essays were contributed mostly to The
Spectator. The best of his essays are those which center round the figure of
Sir Roger De Coverley, and hence are known as The Coverley Papers. Two things
Addison did for English literature which is of inestimable value. First he
overcame a certain corrupt tendency bequeathed by restoration literature.
Addison set himself squarely against this unworthy tendency. Secondly, prompted
and aided by the more original genius of his friend Steele, Addison seized upon
the new social life of the clubs and made it the subject of endless pleasant
essays upon types of mean and manners.
The Tatler and The Spectator are the
beginning of the modern essay: and their studies of human character as
exemplified in Sir Roger de Coverley, are a preparation for the modern novel.
Richard Steele was Addison’s literary collaborator and friend. Steele has an
originality and spontaneity compared to Addison’s polish and refinement. Steele’s
writing, it seems, comes directly from the heart. The episode on Sir Roger’s
disappointment in love had been written by Steele. It is no wonder that it
touches our heart to the very core.
Really,your writing is very helpful for students of English literature . Thank you so much for exposing such wonderful writing.
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