The Prose of the Age of Pope

The Prose writers of this age exhibit the classical qualities - clearness, vigor, and direct statement.
Daniel Defore (1661-1731) Defoe is the earlier literary journalist of the age. He wrote on all topics as- social political, and literature.
His first novel was Robinson Crusoe. The other works are Moll Flanders, Colonel Jack, etc.
Leslie Stephen called him a ‘Fictitious biographic’ or ‘History minus facts’.
He is credited with being the originator of the English novel.
He is one of the masters of English Prose.

Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) swift was one of the most powerful and original genius of the age.
His best-known work is Gulliver’s Travels.
It is very popular among the children's library and at the same time a bitter attack on political and social life.
Swift was a profound pessimist.
He was a master of prose style.
His style was simple and direct.
As a satirist his greatest weapon was irony.

Joseph Addison (1672-1719) and Sir Richard Steele (1672-1719). Steele and Addison worked in collaboration.
They were the originators of periodical essays.
Steele was the founder of The Taller.
Then it was followed by the spectator.
But the characters of Steele and Addison were constant.
Steele was emotional and reckless but honest & good-hearted.
Addison was an urbane, polished gentleman. He was a quiet and accurate observer of manners and fashions of life and conversations.
The purpose of their writing was ethical.
They tried to reform society.
They did this in a good-humoured way and not with bitterness.
They made the people laugh o their own follies.
Addison helps the English reader to understand Milton’s Paradise.
Lost through his articles.
Both Steele and Addison were great masters of prose.
Both wrote in a clear, lucid, simple and effective style.
Dr. Johnson remarked: ‘Give nights and days to the study of Addison if you mean to

be a good writer or what is more worthy, an honest man”.