Alexander Pope
|Title: Mock Heroic Poet
Alexander Pope (1688 – 1744) was an 18th -century English poet. He is best known for his satirical verse, as well as for his translation of Homer. He is also famous for his use of the heroic couplet. He is the second-most frequently quoted writer in The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations after Shakespeare.
Well known works of Alexander Pope
The Dunciad: A satire.
An Essay on Criticism: is a poem. It is an effort to rationalize or rather “vindicate the ways of God to man”, a variation of John Milton’s claim in the opening lines of Paradise Lost, that he will “justify the ways of God to men”.
Essay on Man is a philosophical poem.
Elegy to the Memory of an Unfortunate Lady: is a poem in heroic couplets.
Eloisa to Abelard: is a verse epistle.
The Rape of the Lock: is a mock-heroic narrative poem which is Pope’s most famous poem. Its an epic. The Characters of this poem are Baron and Belinda. (40তম বিসিএস প্রিলিমিনারি)
Three Hours After Marriage: was a restoration comedy, written in 1717 as a collaboration between John Gay, Alexander Pope and John Arbuthnot, though Gay was the principal author. It premiered in 1717. The play is best described as a satirical farce, and among its satirical targets was Richard Blackmore.
Quotes from Alexander Pope
1. To err is human; to forgive, divine.
2. Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.
3. A little learning is a dangerous thing;
4. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
5. Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul.
6. An honest man is the noblest work of God.
7. The proper study of mankind is man.