An Essay on Criticism, Alexander Pope, Summary, Analysis, Detailed Overview and Quotes
Introduction: Alexander Pope wrote An Essay on Criticism in poetic form which was published in 1711. This poem represents the Neoclassical beliefs about criticism and poetry which strongly asserts the importance of adherence to the Classical rules. Read the Original Text Detailed Overview He makes a compelling argument for the position that poetry should either be composed naturally or in accordance with the predefined artificial principles established by the classical poets .
The idea of Pope's essay is neoclassical, following in the footsteps of Horace and Boileau.
Pope contends that a literary work's value is determined by its fidelity to Nature, not by whether it is ancient or modern.
True wit contains this natural truth. The two are interconnected, and nature can be found in both the subject and the mode of communication.
The essence of humanity can be discovered in everyday humanity, not in any oddity.…