In Pope's 'An Essay on Man', how does the speaker cast humankind's relationship to both God and His creation? Answer in paragraph form and support your answer with examples from the text.
In Pope's "An Essay on Man," the speaker casts humankind's relationship to both God and His creation as one of intricate interconnectedness. The poem asserts that God has designed a harmonious, ordered universe, and within this framework, humans play a specific role. The speaker primarily focuses on the concept of the Great Chain of Being, suggesting that each being is part of a vast hierarchy with God at the top. Pope writes, "All are but parts of one stupendous whole, / Whose body Nature is, and God the soul" (lines 267-268). This imagery portrays humans as a small fragment of the overall creation, inseparable from the cosmos.
Furthermore, the speaker acknowledges that humans possess knowledge and abilities that set them apart from other beings. Pope states, "In pride, in reasoning pride, our error lies" (line 123), emphasizing humankind's propensity to believe that their intelligence grants them a superior understanding of their purpose. However, the poem seeks to humble humanity by showing that their perceived superiority is limited within the grand scheme of creation. Pope writes, "All ignorance lies in our pride" (line 170), suggesting that the arrogance that arises from overestimating one's own knowledge is the root of our ignorance.
The speaker also highlights humankind's position as an intermediary between the spiritual realm and the physical world, acting as a bridge between God and His creation. In the poem, Pope asks, "What if the head, the eye, or ear repin'd / To serve mere engines to the ruling Mind?" (lines 145-146). Here, he questions the purpose of human organs if they are not serving a higher function. This suggests that humans, as part of God's creation, have a purpose beyond their physical existence.
Overall, the speaker portrays humankind in "An Essay on Man" as intricately connected to God's creation and playing a significant role in the harmony of the universe. While humans possess individuality and intelligence, they must recognize their place within the Great Chain of Being and acknowledge their limitations. Through this understanding, they can cultivate a deeper connection with God and His creation.