ESSAY ON MAN POPE

 "An Essay on Man" is a poem written by Alexander Pope in 1733-1734. It is a rationalistic effort to use philosophy in order to, as John Milton attempted, justify the ways of God to man. It is concerned with the part evil plays in the world and with the social order God has decreed for man. While the poem is predominantly written in heroic couplets, Pope also incorporates some other forms of poetry, including a hymn and some elegiac verses.

ESSAY ON MAN POPE

The poem consists of four epistles. The first epistle looks at man's relation to the universe in general, the second epistle looks at man's relation to himself, the third epistle looks at man's relation to society, and the fourth epistle looks at man's relation to God.

Pope argues that humans must accept their position in the Great Chain of Being, which God created and ordained. The Great Chain of Being is a hierarchical structure of all matter and life, believed to have been decreed by God. Pope argues that this chain is necessary because it allows for order and stability in the universe.

Pope also argues that man's imperfections are necessary because they ultimately lead to virtue. This is because, according to Pope, God created the universe in such a way that man must struggle and strive in order to achieve virtue. This struggle and striving is ultimately what makes man virtuous.

In the second epistle, Pope addresses the issue of man's relation to himself. He argues that man must not be too proud or too humble. Man must not be too proud because this leads to destruction and misery. Man must not be too humble because this leads to slavery and misery. Instead, man must strive for a balance between pride and humility.

In the third epistle, Pope addresses the issue of man's relation to society. He argues that man must act in accordance with the natural law, which is the law that God has ordained for man. This means that man must act in accordance with reason, and must not be swayed by passion or emotion.

In the fourth epistle, Pope addresses the issue of man's relation to God. He argues that man must trust in God and submit to His will. Man must also have faith in God, and must not doubt His goodness and wisdom.

Overall, "An Essay on Man" is a complex and challenging poem that grapples with deep and difficult philosophical issues. Pope's use of rhyme and meter, along with his use of classical allusions and references, make the poem both intellectually stimulating and aesthetically pleasing.