Literary Analysis Essay on An Essay on Man

Introduction

The age of reason, also referred to as enlightenment, occurred when a new reverence for scientific knowledge was birthed to replace religious beliefs. The enlightenment period first began in North America and Europe in the 18th century, and people started using scientific concepts to understand the world, nature, and ongoing events (Tricoire, 2017). Logic and rationality were the primary factors that defined the age of reason period, and the era led to the production of literature materials, especially poetry and novels that became popular during that time until today. One of the renowned authors in the age of reason was Alexander Pope, who is celebrated due to some of his works like An Essay on Man.

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Themes of the Poem

Alexander Pope's An Essay on Man is a four-part epistle, and the poem primarily addresses human nature and happiness, which are influenced by individual, social, and political hierarchies. Throughout the poem, Pope explores the place and nature of man in the universe, elements that build up the themes depicted in his poetry (Pope, 2018). The primary issues contained in the essay are human behavior, how the universe works, the role of human beings in the world, and the existence of a Supreme being.

The first theme depicted in the poem is the existence of God, who is a supreme being. Pope intends to justify the ways of God to humans and wants people to understand why evil still exists in the universe, yet there is a supreme being (Pope, 2018). According to the author, human beings must never wish to have wisdom equivalent to that of God since all other creations are weaker than Him too.

The second theme depicted in the poem in the second epistle is human behavior. Pope explains that God has given people passion and self-love, which are the origin of human action (Pope, 2018). On the other hand, He has also granted people reason to regulate their actions. The unique elements given to human beings makes them unique and ensure that there is a psychological balance between their emotions and passions, and together with reason, virtuous living is promoted. In the fourth epistle, Alexander Pope explains the struggle human beings have regarding self-love and loving others at the same time. According to the author, any person can be happy in this life by being virtuous in their actions and deeds (Pope, 2018). Righteous living and happiness occur when people turn their selfishness towards others and God into kindness (Pope, 2018). As the author ends the fourth epistle, he argues that man will always seek to know his purpose in the universe.

The third primary theme depicted in Pope's poem is the role of human beings in the universe, as explained by the third epistle. According to Pope, the bonds that unite people in a society are governed by reason (Pope, 2018). The relationship between man and nature is significantly influenced by instincts and the knowledge of the things people need to survive like food (Pope, 2018). Contrary to that, the bond between man and his fellow human beings and God is primarily based on reason, and that is how man established institutions like religion and the government.

Characteristics of the Period

There are various characteristics of the age of reason that are depicted in Alexander Pope's work, An Essay on Man. One of the most significant ideas that dominated the enlightenment period is rationalism that describes the ability of human beings to use reason to gain knowledge. The rationalism idea was against the notion that human beings needed to rely on religious beliefs and convictions for knowledge (Tricoire, 2017). In the first epistle of An Essay on Man, a rationalistic metaphysics is presented. According to Pope, human beings should never try to understand God's design of creation; instead, they should use their reasoning to control their behavior.

The second characteristic depicted in the essay that relates to the enlightenment period is empiricism. Empiricism is a principle that explains that knowledge originates from observation and experience (Tricoire, 2017). Pope's epistles explain that human nature is improved through the gradual understanding of the universe.

The third concept of the age of reason period is progressivism, which states that human beings are unlimited through their power of reason and knowledge (Tricoire, 2017). Alexander Pope emphasizes the interaction of man and God is primarily based on reason, and the knowledge he gains makes it possible to survive.

Narrative Devices

The narrative device used in the poem is rhyme. The poem is in paired lines that rhyme at the end. Iambic pentameter is applied whereby every line contains ten syllables and five "feet." Secondly, there is alliteration in some cases whereby there is a repetition of initial consonant sounds.

Conclusion

In summary, Alexander Pope is one of the renowned writers in the age of reason period. His work, An Essay on Man, is a classic poetic piece that has its primary themes as the existence of God, human behavior, and the role of human beings in the world. The characteristics of the age of reason period depicted in the essay are rationalism, empiricism, and progressivism. The literary devices in the poem are rhyme and alliteration.

References

Pope, A. (2018). An essay on man. Princeton University Press.

Tricoire, D. (Ed.). (2017). Enlightened colonialism: Civilization narratives and imperial politics in the age of reason. Springer.