The Tatler

Definition

The Tatler was a British periodical founded in 1709 by Richard Steele, known for its blend of gossip, social commentary, and literary criticism. It played a vital role in the Restoration period by reflecting and shaping the cultural landscape, especially as it catered to the rising coffee house culture that encouraged discussion among literary circles and the public.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Tatler was one of the first magazines to create a sense of social community and encourage dialogue about contemporary issues, making it essential to the cultural shifts of the time.
2. Richard Steele utilized The Tatler to promote new ideas about society, politics, and the arts while also engaging with the tastes and interests of its readership.
3. The publication often featured characters based on real people in society, making its gossip relatable and engaging for readers.
4. The Tatler set the stage for future periodicals like The Spectator, helping to establish a format that combined entertainment with serious commentary.
5. The magazine contributed to the rise of the coffee house as a center for intellectual exchange, where discussions based on its articles would flourish among patrons.

Review Questions

• How did The Tatler reflect the societal changes during the Restoration period?
  • The Tatler captured the essence of societal changes during the Restoration by blending gossip with commentary on contemporary issues. It reflected the growing interest in social dynamics and the importance of public opinion as more individuals engaged in discussions about politics, culture, and morality. By doing so, The Tatler not only entertained but also fostered a sense of community among its readers, highlighting the shifting values of post-Restoration England.
• Discuss the impact of The Tatler on coffee house culture and literary circles in Britain.
  • The Tatler significantly impacted coffee house culture by providing a shared source of content for patrons to discuss. As people gathered in these establishments, they engaged with topics presented in The Tatler, stimulating conversation about societal norms and literary trends. This interaction enriched literary circles by facilitating collaboration among writers and intellectuals who frequented these coffee houses, ultimately shaping public discourse and influencing future publications.
• Evaluate the lasting significance of The Tatler in shaping modern journalism and literary criticism.
  • The Tatler's influence extends into modern journalism through its pioneering format that combined entertainment with serious discussion. It established a template for periodicals that prioritize reader engagement while addressing relevant social issues. Furthermore, its approach to literary criticism laid groundwork for later critiques found in contemporary publications, emphasizing not only literary merit but also social implications. The magazine's legacy continues as modern media still grapples with balancing informative content with reader interests.

Related terms

Periodical: A publication that appears at regular intervals, often containing articles on various subjects, including news, literature, and society.

Coffee House: A popular social venue in 17th and 18th century Britain where people gathered to discuss ideas, politics, and literature over coffee.

Spectator: Another influential periodical created by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele, focusing on morality and manners while promoting literature and public discourse.