Superstition ~ A.G. Gardiner 

Superstition ~ Gardiner.

  1. A. G. Gardiner wrote under the pen name Alpha of the Plough.

  2. His best essays are those to which he contributed to a number of leading British newspapers.

  3.  (i) His essays are of a casual type,

 (ii) Through his essays he expresses his natural sense of joy and harmony of life

  1. Gardiner makes the reader aware of the darkness and sorrow of years during the wars.

  2. But what is charming in him is that he naturally inspires the reader to feel that life is beautiful, wars or no wars.

  3. The result is that while reading Gardiner the reader quickly attunes to the moods. aut feelings of the writer.

  4. "Superstition" is taken from his Second Series collection.

  5. After reading this essay, it seems as if Gardiner is trying to explore the theme of fear.

  6. Here we find the theme of fear, control superstition, logic, tradition and escape.

  7. The root of superstition is 'Association'.

  8. Humans tend to create links.

  9. This link may create a sense or may not. 

  10. The link is between our thoughts, feelings and actions and different objects or symbols.

  11. Superstitious beliefs have been shown to promote a positive mental attitude.

  12. (i) But sometimes superstitious beliefs lead to irrational decisions.

    (ii)such as trusting in the merits of good luck and dating rather than sound decisions.

  1. Superstitions can also give rise to the notion that objects and places are cursed.

  2. But for many people engaging with superstitious behaviour provides a sense of control and reduces anxiety.

  3. This happens particularly in the case of an economic crisis and social uncertainty.

  • the writer says mainly during wars and conflicts.

  1. where in the essay we find that -

  • Gardiner may be exploring the theme of fear.

  •  man has the fear of the unknown.

  • and to alleviate this fear, he creates superstition.

  • This may or may not calm the mind.


  1. As we see walking around the ladder rather than underneath the ladder.

  2. This is because they may be injured.

  • So they prefer to walk around the ladder.

  1. Maybe the essayists is trying to prove that many superstitions are illogical.

  2. Then another superstition that essayists refer to number 'thirteen.'

  3. Gardiner explains that man tries to escape through superstitions.

  • This is not practical.

  1. For example to hold the House of Commons due to thunder.

  • a case that occurred during Cato's. election in Rome.

  1. On many occasions, people do not know why they are superstitious.

  2. It is always that we have been taught by our elders.

  3. Tradition plays a large part in Superstition.

  4. We don't have any concrete cause of the superstition.

  • It is only that an individual gets uncomfortable.

  1. They have the fear that if they won't follow superstition.

  • something wrong would happen. The essayists attempt to convince that.

  • There is no advantage to living one's life in superstitions.

  • This will create problems.

  1. Life would be easier for the individual.

  2. A man who enjoys a life free of superstition will be happier than a man who is superstitious.


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