in An Essay on Criticism,Alexander Pope defines the use of wit in literature,stating that a poet should use plain language and restrict the use of metaphor.Why does the Pope not apply definition of wit to the of the Lock.
The Pilgrim Progress is an allegory,that is, he used names to represent abstract qualities. Do you know how Vaniy Fair and the character's names--Obstinate,Pliable, Help and Failthful--demonstrate traits for which they are named and how hey affect Christian's journey.
Thank you,
Trish
john bunyan's the pilgrim's progress is an allegory, that is, he used names to present abstract qualities. explain how vanity fair, obstinate, pliable, help and faithful demonstrate the traits for which they are named, and how they affect christian's journey.
Although Alexander Pope's essay, "An Essay on Criticism," emphasizes the use of wit through plain language and the restriction of metaphor, he does not strictly adhere to this definition in his own work, specifically "The of the Lock."
In "An Essay on Criticism," Pope argues that wit should primarily rely on simplicity and clarity. He advises poets to avoid convoluted metaphors and complex language that may obscure the meaning of their works. However, "The of the Lock" demonstrates Pope's departure from his own definition of wit.
"The of the Lock" is a mock-heroic poem that satirizes the triviality and pettiness of the upper class. It employs a lighthearted and playful tone, using exaggerated language, elaborate descriptions, and a rich use of metaphor. By doing so, Pope deliberately deviates from the principles he outlined in his essay.
Pope's choice to employ wit through metaphor in "The of the Lock" can be attributed to the poem's satirical nature. By exaggerating and employing extravagant language, Pope not only mocks the extravagant lifestyles of the aristocracy but also creates a sense of irony and humor. The use of metaphorical language helps accentuate the absurdity of the situation and satirize the characters' exaggerated reactions.
In summary, while Alexander Pope's "An Essay on Criticism" defines wit as the use of plain language and the avoidance of excessive metaphor, he differs from this definition in "The of the Lock." In this poem, Pope employs wit through the use of metaphor and elaborate language to enhance the satirical nature of the work and create humor.
In Alexander Pope's "An Essay on Criticism," he does indeed discuss the use of wit in literature, arguing that poets should employ plain language and limit the use of metaphor. However, it is interesting to note that Pope himself does not strictly adhere to this definition of wit in his own work, particularly in "The of the Lock."
There could be several reasons why Pope does not apply his definition of wit to "The of the Lock."
Firstly, it is important to recognize that "An Essay on Criticism" provides a general framework for poetic theory, offering guidelines rather than rigid rules. Pope acknowledges that the application of these guidelines can vary depending on the specific context and intentions of the poet. Thus, he allows for flexibility in their implementation.
Secondly, "The of the Lock" is a satirical poem that aims to mock the extravagant social customs and excessive behavior of the upper class of Pope's time. By deviating from his own definition of wit, Pope is able to effectively employ irony and satire to critique the society he satirizes. This deviation allows him to create a contrast between the exaggerated world of the poem and his more conservative views on poetic writing.
Furthermore, "The of the Lock" is a mock-heroic poem, a genre that often embraces wit, wordplay, and exaggeration for comic effect. In this case, Pope deliberately uses extravagant and ornate language, along with the imaginative use of metaphors, to heighten the satirical and mock-heroic nature of the poem. By doing so, he achieves a unique blend of wit that aligns with the genre's conventions and serves his specific poetic goals.
Overall, while Pope's definition of wit in "An Essay on Criticism" provides a valuable framework for analyzing and understanding literature, it is not meant to be a rigid rule that restricts the poet's creativity and expression. Understanding the context, intent, and genre of a poem allows us to appreciate why Pope deviates from his own definition in "The of the Lock" and how it contributes to the satirical tone and purpose of the poem.