Q. Write an essay on the development
of the seventeenth Century English Essay.
Ans.: The 17th century witnessed a
remarkable evolution in English literature. It is marked by the emergence and
development of the English essay as a distinct literary form. This is period,
often referred to as ‘the early modern period’. It was characterized by significant
social, political, and cultural changes that influenced the literary landscape
of England. As a genre, the essay underwent a transformation during this time,
transitioning from its earlier forms to a more structured and refined style
that would lay the groundwork for future literary endeavors.
During the early 17th century, the
essay began to take shape as a distinct form of prose writing in England. One
of the notable figures in this period was Sir Francis Bacon, whose collection
of essays, published in 1597 as Essays, Civil and Moral, laid the
foundation for the development of the English essay. Bacon’s essays covered a
wide range of topics, including politics, ethics, religion, and philosophy, and
were characterized by their concise yet profound insights into human nature and
society. Bacon’s style of writing, marked by clarity, wit, and aphoristic
wisdom, greatly influenced the subsequent development of the English essay.
Another influential figure in the
development of the 17th century English essay was Robert Burton, whose work The
Anatomy of Melancholy, published in 1621, can be seen as a precursor to the
modern essay. Burton’s sprawling masterpiece, written in the form of an
elaborate treatise on the causes, symptoms, and cures of melancholy, is a
testament to the diversity and flexibility of the essay form. Burton’s blending
of personal reflection, scholarly research, and literary allusion in The
Anatomy of Melancholy foreshadowed the eclectic and experimental nature of
later English essays.
However, it was not until the latter
half of the 17th century that the English essay truly came into its own as a
literary genre. The period known as the Restoration saw the rise of the
periodical essay, a form of essay writing that was popularized by publications
such as The Tatler and The Spectator. Edited by Joseph Addison
and Richard Steele, these periodicals featured essays on a wide range of
topics, including politics, society, literature, and morality, and were aimed
at a broad audience of educated readers. The periodical essayists, with their
engaging prose style and insightful commentary on contemporary life, played a
crucial role in popularizing the essay as a form of entertainment and
enlightenment.
One of the most celebrated essayists
of the Restoration period was Samuel Johnson, whose essays, collected in
publications such as The Rambler and The Idler, exemplified the
wit, wisdom, and moral earnestness of the periodical essay tradition. Johnson’s
essays, characterized by their moralizing tone and classical allusions,
reflected the intellectual and cultural milieu of 18th century England, while
also providing timeless reflections on the human condition.
In conclusion, the 17th century
witnessed the development of the English essay as a distinct literary form,
from its early manifestations in the works of Bacon and Burton to its
flourishing in the periodical essays of the Restoration period. Through the
writings of figures such as Bacon, Burton, Addison, Steele, and Johnson, the
English essay emerged as a versatile and influential genre, capable of engaging
with a wide range of subjects and appealing to a diverse audience. As such, the
17th century represents a crucial period in the evolution of English
literature, paving the way for the rich tradition of essay writing that would
follow in subsequent centuries.
Major 17th-century
English essayists.
The 17th century was a period of
significant development for the English essay, marked by the emergence of
influential writers who shaped the genre. These essayists contributed to the
evolution of English prose by exploring various themes, employing distinct
styles, and engaging in intellectual discourse. Some of the major figures in
17th century English essay writing include:
1. Francis Bacon (1561-1626): Often regarded as the father of the
English essay, Bacon’s essays are characterized by their aphoristic style and
keen observation of human nature. His collection of essays, titled Essays
(1597, expanded in 1625), covers a wide range of topics, including friendship,
studies, wisdom, and religion. Bacon’s essays are renowned for their clarity,
wit, and profound insights into the human condition.
2. Sir Thomas Browne (1605-1682): Browne was a physician and polymath
whose essays reflect his wide-ranging intellectual interests and erudition. His
most famous work, Religio Medici (1642), is a personal exploration of
faith and reason, blending scientific inquiry with religious reflection. Browne’s
prose is characterized by its ornate style, rich imagery, and philosophical
depth.
3. Robert Burton (1577-1640): Burton’s masterpiece, The Anatomy
of Melancholy (1621), is a sprawling work that defies easy categorization,
blending elements of essay, memoir, and encyclopedic inquiry. Written in the
form of a medical treatise, the book explores the causes, symptoms, and
remedies of melancholy (a condition akin to depression), while also delving
into diverse subjects such as literature, religion, and psychology.
4. Abraham Cowley (1618-1667): Cowley was a poet, playwright, and
essayist whose essays were influential in shaping the English essay tradition.
His collection Essays (1668) encompasses a wide range of topics,
including love, friendship, ambition, and fame. Cowley’s essays are notable for
their graceful style, wit, and moral reflection.
5. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784): While Johnson’s literary career
extended into the 18th century, his essays and literary criticism had a
profound impact on the development of English prose. His periodical essays,
particularly those published in The Rambler (1750-1752) and The Idler
(1758-1760), showcase his wit, moral earnestness, and keen insight into human
nature. Johnson’s essays often explore themes of morality, society, and the
human condition, reflecting the intellectual concerns of his time.
These essayists, among others, played
a crucial role in shaping the development of the English essay during the 17th
century, laying the groundwork for subsequent generations of writers and
establishing the essay as a vibrant literary form in English literature.
