Alexander Pope

English poet, central figure of the Augustan Age (1688–1744)

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About

Alexander Pope, born in London in 1688, was a major English poet of the Augustan Age. Raised Roman Catholic, he overcame legal restrictions and spinal tuberculosis contracted at age 12, which left him disabled and short. Self-taught, he rose to fame with 'An Essay on Criticism' (1711) and 'The Rape of the Lock' (1712). His translation of Homer secured his financial independence, making him the first English professional writer. His satirical and philosophical works, such as 'The Dunciad' and 'An Essay on Man', left a lasting mark. He died at Twickenham in 1744.

* 1688-05-21 — † 1744-05-28

Major works

  • An Essay on Criticism (1711)didactic poem
  • The Rape of the Lock (1712)mock-epic poem
  • The Iliad of Homer (1715-1720)translation
  • The Dunciad (1728)satirical poem
  • An Essay on Man (1733-1734)philosophical poem

Key milestones

  • 1711Publication of 'An Essay on Criticism' brings him fame.
  • 1715-1726Translation of Homer's epics, securing his financial independence.
  • 1728Publication of 'The Dunciad', a scathing satire of cultural decline.

Themes

Social satireLiterary criticismEnlightenment philosophyHuman natureOrder and harmony

Sources: britannica.com · poetryfoundation.org · npg.org.uk