Development of English Essays from Francis Bacon to Joseph Addison

An essay is a short composition in prose. Saintsbury calls it "a work of prose arts." Dr. Johnson defines it as "a loose sally of the mind, an irregular, undigested piece, not a regular and orderly performance." There are various types of essays: personal ones that give the author's own experiences, impressions, or reactions; aphoristic ones that provide impersonal reflections on wisdom and philosophy; periodical ones that are published in dailies, weeklies, or monthlies, discussing contemporary social or political problems, etc. Now let us examine the different stages of its development in English, particularly from Francis Bacon (1561-1626) to Joseph Addison (1672-1719). (Renaissance/ Elizabethan essays--> Restoration essays--> Augustan essays)

To trace the history of the English Essay we shall have to go back to the Elizabethan Age, The miscellaneous work of a few University wits like Lyly, Greene, Lodge, and Nashe has some traces of novel. It has also the first anticipation of the Essay. Apologia For Poetries of Sir Philip Sidney has a semblance of essay though in uncertain style.

Francis Bacon

The essay in its real from came in to existence in England in 1597 with the publication of a short series of essays by Francis Bacon. There is in his essays aphoristic touch, sentence toils wisdom, and astute expediency. After Bacon Sir William Cornwallis tried to write in the Aphoristic style, But he failed to reach thou heights. He had little in common with Bacon. Ben Jonson the great poet and dramatist was also a renowned critic of his time. His prose work is a [ice of first rate criticism. The most important name after Bacon in the realm of essay writing is that of Abraham Cowley. He is an important connecting link between Bacon and Addison. The defects of Bacon were remedied by Cowley. While Bacon’s essays are aphoristic and impersonal, Cowley’s essays have intimate and personal thought which characterizes the true essay. Cowley cultivated a from of essay more intimate and confidential, though less profound, less rightly and philosophical than the Balconies. After Abraham lowly comes in the age of modern English prose. However, much had transpired in the field of Essay between Bacon and Cowley before the modern prose came in to existence. A host of character-writers emerged on the literary scene whose contribution to the English Essay in on less important, therefore, it does deserve a bright mention.

 Joseph Hall, Sir Thomas Overbury and John Earle are of the first rank among the  character writers. Hall wrote in a satirical and pungent style. Overbury wrote in a hopelessly artificial style. Instead of being content with the superficiality of the character like Overbury, Earle thrived to penetrate in to the depths of the character. Overbury's  character sketches are the direct fore-runners to sir Roger and the whole group of personal belonging to the Spectators Club. Sir Thomas Browne, another important name in the history of essay writing, has Religion Medici, A classic in prose in his account.

 

Then come the Restoration prose which marks the real moment of the birth of our modern English prose. The notable names of the are Locke, Temple, Halifax and Dryden of these, the last is the most important. He is not only the first great modern prose writer but also a pioneer of eroticism. His prose writing consists of mainly essay and prefaces. His Essay of pragmatic Poesie (1669) is a major piece of literary criticism in the language. Direct and fluent in style, prickled shows keen critical perception. His other works include Essay on satire, Essay on Epic poetry and Preface  to Fables. Dryden’s prose, indeed, marks a definite progress in the development, and never stilted. It’s the first example of modern English prose.

So finally, the 18th century witnessed a remarkable period of literary growth and cultural enlightenment in England, often referred to as the "Augustan Age." During this era, two prominent figures, Joseph Addison and Richard Steele, emerged as influential writers, journalists, and essayists. Their collaborative efforts in creating the literary masterpiece known as "The Spectator" significantly impacted the landscape of English literature, shaping the development of the periodical essay and leaving an indelible mark on subsequent generations. The periodicals nurtures a. Moral and Social Observations, b. The Creation of Memorable Characters and c. The Promotion of Women's Writing.

Their work in "The Spectator," a daily publication running from 1711 to 1712, revolutionized the way readers consumed literature. Launched in 1709 by Richard Steele, The Tatler , another periodical presented a unique blend of news, commentary, and social observations in the form of essays.  By providing insightful and witty commentary on various social, moral, and political issues, the duo captured the imagination of the English public and set a new standard for literary journalism.  Through their essays, they explored the manners, customs, and foibles of their contemporaries, shedding light on the intricacies of human behavior.  Addison and Steele also  introduced a host of fictional characters in their essays. These characters, such as Sir Roger de Coverley, Will Honeycomb, and Mr. Spectator, provided readers with relatable personalities and served as vehicles for exploring various aspects of society. Addison and Steele notably played a significant role in advancing gender equality in the literary world and paving the way for future female writers.

In conclusion, the development of English essays from Francis Bacon to Joseph Addison represents a significant evolution in literary expression. Bacon's emphasis on logic and reasoning laid the groundwork for the exploration of ideas, while Addison's contribution to the periodical essay introduced a more refined and entertaining form of social commentary. Together, their works established a foundation for future generations of essayists, shaping the landscape of English literature. The commitment to wit, humor, and moral instruction sprouted during this era can be seen in the works of esteemed authors like Samuel Johnson, Charles Lamb, and William Hazlitt. Furthermore, their emphasis on social commentary and the exploration of human nature laid the groundwork for the development of the novel as a dominant literary form.

Prominent Essayists of that Era Under Discussion:

👉Francis Bacon:

• Bacon's essays are characterized by their concise and aphoristic style, covering a wide range of topics.
• He emphasized the practical application of knowledge and the pursuit of truth through observation and reasoning.

👉Abraham Cowley:

• Cowley was a poet and essayist known for his metaphysical poetry and prose works.
• His essays encompassed diverse subjects, including literature, politics, and philosophy, displaying wit and intellectual depth in his writing.

👉John Dryden:

• Dryden's essays focused on literary criticism, discussing various genres and analyzing the works of his contemporaries.
• He advocated for a more refined and polished style of writing, promoting clarity and elegance in literature.

👉Joseph Hall:

• Hall's essays focused on moral and religious themes, offering practical advice and insights into human nature.
• His works, such as "Three Centuries of Meditations and Vowes, Divine and Morall," displayed a devout and contemplative approach to life.

👉Sir Thomas Overbury:

• Overbury's essays were characterized by their wit and satirical tone, often providing commentary on courtly life and manners.
• His most famous work essayistic poem, "A Wife," offered humorous and astute observations on marriage and relationships.

👉John Earle:

• Earle's essays, collected in his work "Microcosmographie," provided witty and concise character sketches of various types of people.
• His keen observations captured the nuances of human behavior and societal roles.

👉Sir Thomas Browne:

• Browne's essays, particularly in his work "Religio Medici," delved into religious and philosophical inquiries.
• His writing showcased a blend of skepticism and deep spiritual introspection, exploring the mysteries of existence.

👉John Locke:

• Locke's essays, notably "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding," discussed topics related to epistemology and the nature of knowledge.
• His works laid the foundation for empiricism and influenced the development of modern philosophical thought.

👉Sir William Temple:

• Temple's essays covered a wide range of subjects, including politics, literature, and gardening.
• His writing displayed a combination of wit, wisdom, and practical insights, offering commentary on contemporary issues.

👉George Savile, 1st Marquess of Halifax:

• Halifax's essays, known as "The Character of a Trimmer," focused on political philosophy and the importance of moderation.
• His works advocated for a balanced approach to governance and highlighted the dangers of extreme ideologies.

👉Richard Steele:

• Steele was a prominent essayist and co-founder of "The Spectator", a popular periodical.
• Launched in 1709 by Richard Steele, "The Tatler" presented a unique blend of news, commentary, and social observations in the form of essays. 
• His essays addressed social issues, manners, and morality, often using humor and satire to highlight societal flaws.

👉Joseph Addison:

• Addison's essays in "The Spectator" were influential in shaping the periodical essay form.
• He explored a wide range of topics, including literature, politics, and social customs, with a refined and eloquent writing style.

Digest:

👀The development of English essays during this period marked a shift towards more structured and formal writing.

👀The essays focused on a variety of subjects, blending personal experiences, social commentary, and philosophical insights.

👀They played a significant role in shaping public opinion and promoting intellectual discourse in 18th-century England.

 Ardhendu De

Ref: 

1.ALBERT. (2000). History of English Literature (Fifth Edition) [English]. OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.

2.A short history of English literature : Saintsbury, George, 1845-1933 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/shorthistoryofen00sain