write a note on Steele as essayist
Answers
Explanation:
Introduction: Steele earned an everlasting renown as an essayist. His contribution to The Tatler and The Spectator is very significant. They are the hallmarks of periodical essay writing. He wrote with an aim to bring moral reforms, order and decorum in the society. The Tatler and The Spectator became effective mediums in his hands.
Expression of Social Life: Steele worked with Addison and established the essay as a very important form of literature. His essays appeared as the expression of the social life of the nation. Thus he is known as a great social critic in the history of English literature. In his essays he beautifully satirized the vices of the society of his time. He exposed the false arts of life. He pulled of the disguises of cunning, vanity and affectations. He inculcated good morals among the people of his age. He recommended general simplicity in our dress, discourse and behavior. He recommended truth, innocence, honour and virtue as the chief ornaments of life. He treated of everything that was going on in the town. As a social humourist he painted his whole age – the political and literary disputes, the fine gentlemen and ladies, the new books, the new plays etc. Thus he is called the moral monitor of his age.