📖Restoration Literature Unit 7 – The Rise of Periodical Essays

What Are Periodical Essays?

• Short prose pieces published regularly in newspapers or magazines during the 17th and 18th centuries
• Typically focused on a single subject or theme per essay
• Aimed to inform, educate, and entertain a broad readership
• Often written under pseudonyms or by anonymous authors
• Covered a wide range of topics including politics, society, culture, morality, and literature
• Helped shape public opinion and sparked intellectual discourse
• Served as a precursor to modern journalism and magazine writing

Historical Context

• Emerged during the late 17th and early 18th centuries in England
• Coincided with the rise of the middle class and increased literacy rates
• Influenced by the Age of Enlightenment and its emphasis on reason, knowledge, and progress
• Reflected the growing interest in social and cultural issues among the educated public
• Benefited from advancements in printing technology and the expansion of the publishing industry
• Contributed to the development of a more informed and engaged citizenry
• Responded to the political and social changes of the time, such as the Glorious Revolution (1688) and the Act of Union (1707)

Key Authors and Publications

• Joseph Addison and Richard Steele, founders of The Tatler (1709) and The Spectator (1711)
  • The Tatler focused on news, gossip, and moral instruction
  • The Spectator covered a broader range of topics and aimed to "enliven morality with wit"
• Daniel Defoe, author of The Review (1704-1713) and The Storm (1704)
  • The Review addressed political and economic issues
  • The Storm is considered one of the first examples of modern journalism
• Jonathan Swift, contributor to The Tatler and The Spectator
  • Known for his satirical essays and pamphlets, such as A Modest Proposal (1729)
• Samuel Johnson, founder of The Rambler (1750-1752) and The Idler (1758-1760)
  • The Rambler focused on moral and philosophical topics
  • The Idler covered a wider range of subjects, including literature and society

Themes and Topics

• Moral and ethical issues, such as virtue, vice, and social responsibility
• Political and social commentary, including discussions of government, law, and social classes
• Cultural critique, addressing topics like fashion, manners, and taste
• Literary criticism and reviews of contemporary works
• Personal essays and reflections on human nature and individual experiences
• Educational content, such as lessons in history, science, and philosophy
• Satirical pieces that mocked societal norms, institutions, and public figures

Writing Style and Techniques

• Clear, concise, and accessible language aimed at a broad readership
• Use of personae or fictional narrators to convey ideas and opinions
• Incorporation of wit, humor, and satire to engage readers and make points more effectively
• Employment of rhetorical devices such as irony, metaphor, and allegory
• Use of examples, anecdotes, and case studies to illustrate points and make arguments more relatable
• Inclusion of dialogue and conversational elements to create a sense of intimacy with the reader
• Adoption of a persuasive tone to influence public opinion and encourage critical thinking

Impact on Society and Culture

• Contributed to the spread of knowledge and ideas among a wider population
• Encouraged public discourse and debate on important social, political, and cultural issues
• Helped shape public opinion and influence policy decisions
• Promoted literacy and a culture of reading and learning
• Challenged traditional authority and encouraged individual reasoning and critical thinking
• Reflected and influenced changing social norms and values
• Paved the way for the development of modern journalism, criticism, and essay writing

Legacy and Influence

• Established the essay as a distinct literary genre and form of public discourse
• Influenced subsequent generations of essayists, journalists, and public intellectuals
• Contributed to the development of a more informed and engaged citizenry
• Helped shape the public sphere and the role of media in society
• Provided a model for using writing as a tool for social and political change
• Continued to be studied and admired for their wit, insight, and literary merit
• Inspired similar forms of periodical writing in other countries and languages

Further Reading and Resources

• The Commerce of Everyday Life: Selections from The Tatler and The Spectator by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele
• The Oxford Book of Essays edited by John Gross
• The English Essay and Essayists by Hugh Walker
• The Rise of the Periodical Essay in the 18th Century by Scott Black
• The Cambridge Companion to the Eighteenth-Century Novel edited by John Richetti
• The Spectator Project, a digital archive of The Spectator papers
• The Tatler Project, a digital archive of The Tatler papers
• The British Periodical Essay of the 18th Century by Robert Donald Spector