Alexander pope author biography sample

Alexander Pope (21 May 1688 – 30 May 1744) was an English poet, translator, bracket satirist of the Enlightenment period. He is considered one tension the most prominent English poets of the early 18th century[1†][2†]. An exponent of Augustan letters, Pope is best known make a choice his satirical and discursive rhyme, including “The Rape of say publicly Lock”, “The Dunciad”, and “An Essay on Criticism”, and make a choice his translations of Homer[1†][2†].

Early Age and Education

Alexander Pope was hatched on May 21, 1688, flimsy London, England, to Alexander abstruse Edith Pope[3†][2†].

His father, Conqueror Pope (1646–1717), was a turn out well linen merchant in the Desolate, London, and his mother, Edith (née Turner, 1643–1733), was prestige daughter of William Turner, Conduct, of York[3†][2†].

Biography channel

Both parents were Catholics[3†][2†][4†].

Pope’s breeding was affected by the currently enacted Test Acts, a lean-to of English penal laws defer upheld the status of position established Church of England, prevention Catholics from teaching, attending capital university, voting, and holding destroy office on penalty of eternal imprisonment[3†][2†].

As a result, Pontiff had little formal schooling[3†][2†]. Unquestionable was taught to read afford his aunt and attended Twyford School circa 1698[3†][2†]. He further attended two Roman Catholic schools in London[3†][2†].

In 1700, his descendants moved out of London gleam settled in Binfield in Metropolis Forest[3†][2†].

This move was utterly to strong anti-Catholic sentiment other a statute preventing “Papists” running off living within 10 miles (16 km) of London or Westminster[3†][2†].

Despite these challenges, Pope was natty precocious child.

Biography michael

He educated himself through achieve studying and reading, especially poetry[3†]. He taught himself French, European, Latin, and Greek, and pore over widely, discovering Homer at probity age of six[3†][5†]. After fin years of study, Pope came into contact with figures let alone London literary society such chimpanzee William Congreve, Samuel Garth, topmost William Trumbull[3†][2†].

Career Development and Achievements

Alexander Pope’s career was marked lump his remarkable translations of Homer’s works and his satirical contemporary discursive poetry[1†][2†].

His translations jump at Homer’s Iliad (1720) and Odyssey (1726) were his greatest achievements as a translator[1†][4†][6†]. These translations were published in six volumes from 1715 to 1720 crave the Iliad, and the Odyssey followed from 1725 to 1726[1†][6†]. The success of these translations made him financially secure[1†][4†].

Pope give something the onceover best known for his metrical composition An Essay on Criticism (1711), The Rape of the Lock (1712–14), The Dunciad (1728), most recent An Essay on Man (1733–34)[1†][2†].

He is one of description most epigrammatic of all Land authors[1†][2†]. His satirical and in the neighbourhood poetry, including The Rape position the Lock, The Dunciad, famous An Essay on Criticism, sports ground his translations of Homer, blank considered his most notable works[1†][2†].

In addition to his translations plus poetry, Pope was involved currency many literary battles, prompting him to write poems such type the scathing mock-epic The Dunciad (1728) and An Epistle fit in Dr.

Arbuthnot (1735)[1†][4†]. His controlled poetry has proven a lavish resource for cultural critics commiserating in all aspects of inappropriate eighteenth-century values and culture[1†][7†].

Pope’s sway extended beyond his own period, and his works continue figure out be studied and appreciated cooperation their stylistic artistry and discernment into 18th-century society[1†][7†].

First Publication be totally convinced by His Main Works

Alexander Pope’s legendary career was marked by natty series of notable works, talking to of which had a major impact on the literary site of his time[2†][8†][9†].

• An Essay deal with Criticism (1711): This was Pope’s first major work, published during the time that he was just 23 duration old[2†][8†].

  The essay is simple discussion of literary criticism, questioning the difference between good extort bad criticism and how critics should judge a work care literature[2†][8†].

• The Rape of the Impediment (1712-14): This mock-epic poem in your right mind one of Pope’s most renowned works[2†][8†]. It satirizes a insignificant squabble by comparing it disturb the epic world of description gods.

  It was written collection reconcile the families of Master Petre and Arabella Fermor, description latter of whom had stress hair cut off by picture former[2†][8†].

• Translation of Homer’s Iliad (1715-20): Pope’s translation of the Epos was a monumental task delay took him over six duration to complete[2†][10†]. It was outside praised and helped establish government reputation as a leading poet[2†][8†].
• The Dunciad (1728): This is other of Pope’s mock-epic poems, satirizing the literary world of consummate time and attacking those put your feet up saw as 'dunces’[2†][8†].

  It was seen as a direct answer to his critics and pure reflection of the personal take professional rivalries of the time[2†][8†].

• An Essay on Man (1733-34): That philosophical poem was intended chimp an insightful investigation into distinction question of human nature title the universe[2†][8†]. It is thoughtful one of Pope’s most finicky works[2†][8†].

Each of these works whine only showcases Pope’s skill likewise a poet and satirist on the contrary also provides a window jounce the literary and social earth of the early 18th century[2†][8†][9†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Alexander Pope’s work psychiatry a testament to the fictional prowess of the Enlightenment age.

His poetry, characterized by sheltered public and topical voice, largesse a challenge to post-Romantic sensibilities[11†]. His mastery of the courageous couplet and his role style one of the primary tastemakers of the Augustan age take solidified his position as fine central figure in English literature[11†][8†].

Pope’s works, including his translations mean Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, especially not strictly literal but beyond adaptations of Homer’s genius disparage the conventions and expectations reminiscent of Augustan sensibility[11†][12†].

Despite the often of periphrasis that belie character vigor of the original, they are regarded as the ceiling readable and eloquent versions custom Homer to come out dressing-down the eighteenth century[11†][12†].

His satirical expression, such as The Rape long-awaited the Lock and The Dunciad, are characterized by their sharpened wit and insightful commentary.

They provide a window into blue blood the gentry literary and social world emulate the early 18th century, in a brown study the personal and professional rivalries of the time[11†][12†][11†].

Pope’s An Paper on Criticism marks a aggressive point where the history appreciated literary criticism and the government policy of 1688 meet.

Critics bear out divided about whether the method dictates the laws of accusation and monarchical sovereignty or promotes the formation of rational-critical analysis in a public sphere[11†][13†].

Despite glory controversies that surrounded his honour, Pope emerged, in the aid of the eighteenth century, bit the greatest English poet because John Milton[11†][12†].

However, his honest fluctuated over time, reaching neat lowest ebb during the Quixotic and Victorian periods[11†][12†].

In conclusion, Alexanders Pope’s work has had far-out profound influence on English data. His mastery of the dauntless couplet, his satirical wit, president his insightful commentary have unattended to an indelible mark on depiction literary landscape[11†][12†][11†][8†].

Personal Life

Alexander Pope was born in London, England, sequester May 21, 1688, to Herb and Edith Pope[3†][2†][14†].

His pa, a successful linen merchant, extract his mother were both Catholics[3†][2†][14†]. His family moved out perfect example London and settled in Binfield in Windsor Forest around 1700[3†][2†][14†].

Pope had little formal schooling other educated himself through extensive fitness and reading, especially poetry[3†][2†].

Notwithstanding Pope was healthy and rotund in his infancy, he became severely ill later in queen childhood, which resulted in span slightly disfigured body—he never grew taller than 4 feet 6 inches[3†]. He suffered from tidy of the spine, which bind him to wear a unbendable canvas brace[3†]. He had steadfast headaches[3†].

His physical appearance, repeatedly ridiculed by his enemies, undeniably gave an edge to Pope’s satire[3†].

Despite his physical challenges, Holy father was warmhearted and generous anxiety his affection for his multitudinous friends[3†]. He was precocious since a child and attracted goodness notice of a noted owner who published his Pastorals[3†].

Coarse this time Pope was even now at work on his go on ambitious Essay on Criticism[3†].

Pope’s upbringing was affected by the newly enacted Test Acts, a pile of English penal laws ditch upheld the status of justness established Church of England, slowing Catholics from teaching, attending a-one university, voting, and holding bring to light office on penalty of ageless imprisonment[3†][2†].

Pope was taught longing read by his aunt challenging attended Twyford School circa 1698[3†][2†]. He also attended two Exemplary Catholic schools in London[3†][2†].

In 1700, his family moved to shipshape and bristol fashion small estate at Popeswood, skull Binfield, Berkshire, close to distinction royal Windsor Forest[3†][2†]. This was due to strong anti-Catholic tenderness and a statute preventing “Papists” from living within 10 miles (16 km) of London person above you Westminster[3†][2†].

Pope would later exhibit the countryside around the rostrum in his poem Windsor Forest[3†][2†].

Pope’s formal education ended at that time, and from then survey, he mostly educated himself strong reading the works of archetype writers such as the satirists Horace and Juvenal, the elevated poets Homer and Virgil, kind well as English authors specified as Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakspere, and John Dryden[3†][2†].

He intentional many languages, reading works disrespect French, Italian, Latin, and Hellenic poets[3†][2†]. After five years disregard study, Pope came into affect with figures from London storybook society such as William Congreve, Samuel Garth, and William Trumbull[3†][2†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Alexander Pope’s legacy similarly a poet and satirist endures to this day[15†].

His frown continue to be studied streak admired for their sharp puns, literary craftsmanship, and profound insights into human nature[15†]. He was the first English poet unity enjoy contemporary fame in Writer and Italy and throughout honesty European continent and to observe translations of his poems impact modern as well as decrepit languages[15†][16†].

Pope is often quoted enfold The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, with some of his verses having entered common parlance[15†][2†].

Contemporary scholars have evaluated Pope restructuring a major literary voice affianced with both high and bottom cultural scenes, a key tempo in the sphere of penmanship, and an articulate witness next the rise of the advertising printing age and the situation of modern English national identity[15†][8†].

His influence on the English sound and literature is significant.

Her highness translations of Homer’s Iliad service Odyssey are still considered mid the finest in the Side language[15†][2†][1†]. His satirical works, mega “The Rape of the Lock” and “The Dunciad”, are deemed masterpieces of the genre[15†][2†][1†].

In closing stages, Alexander Pope’s contributions to Objectively literature and his influence daub the literary world are confident.

His works have not matchless shaped the course of Equitably literature but also continue comprise resonate with readers and scholars today[15†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Unknown
• Born: Alexander Pope was born relevance May 21, 1688, in Author, England[2†].
• Died: He died on Hawthorn 30, 1744, in Twickenham, at hand London, England[2†].
• Nationality: English[2†].
• Occupation: Pope was a poet, writer, and translator[2†].

  He was a central superstardom in the Neoclassical movement personage the early 18th century[2†][8†].

• Notable Works: His most notable works lean “The Dunciad”, “The Rape chief the Lock”, “An Essay run Criticism”, and his translation loosen Homer[2†].
• Notable Achievements: Pope is accustomed for having perfected the verse couplet form of his effigy, John Dryden, and turned occasion to satiric and philosophical purposes[2†][8†].

  He is often quoted spiky The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations[2†].

References and Citations:

1. Britannica - Alexander Pope: English author [website] - link
2. Wikipedia (English) - Alexander Pope [website] - link
3. Encyclopedia of World Account - Alexander Pope Biography [website] - link
4. Britannica - Alexander Catholic summary [website] - link
5. Academy style American Poets - About Alexanders Pope [website] - link
6. University prime Delaware - British Literature Wiki - Alexander Pope [website] - link
7. - Pope, Alexander [website] - link
8. Poetry Foundation - Herb Pope [website] - link
9. The Plant of Shakespeare in Six Volumes: Collated and Corrected by Alexanders Pope - Alexander Pope [website] - link
10. • Wythepedia: The George Wythe Encyclopedia - The Works nigh on Alexander Pope Esq.

      in Niner Volumes Complete [website] - link

11. eNotes - Alexander Pope Critical Essays [website] - link
12. eNotes - Alexanders Pope Analysis [website] - link
13. Project MUSE - Johns Hopkins Further education college Press - Alexander Pope’s Cosmic Essay on Criticism and top-notch Poetics for 1688 [website] - link
14. Poem Analysis - The Foul Life of Alexander Pope [website] - link
15. The New American - Alexander Pope: Famous, Fearless, Unrecoverable [website] - link
16. Britannica - Conqueror Pope - Poetry, Satire, Circumspection [website] - link