Addison and Steele's The Spectator

Definition

The Spectator is a daily publication founded by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele in 1711, known for its essays that explored social issues, manners, and the emerging modern sensibilities of the time. It marked a shift from the rigid forms of Neoclassicism to more personal and emotional expressions in literature, reflecting the rise of sentimentalism as it sought to connect with readers on an emotional level while promoting moral improvement and social critique.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Spectator was published six days a week and featured essays that often included discussions about morality, taste, and social behavior, making it a significant vehicle for cultural discourse.
2. Addison and Steele wrote The Spectator with the intention of reaching a broad audience, using accessible language and relatable topics to engage readers from various social classes.
3. The publication introduced characters like Mr. Spectator and Sir Roger de Coverley, who embodied different societal viewpoints, making their discussions more relatable and entertaining.
4. The Spectator played a critical role in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of community among readers through its focus on shared values and concerns of early 18th-century society.
5. This work is often credited with helping to establish the genre of the periodical essay as a popular form of literature that combined entertainment with social commentary.

Review Questions

• How did Addison and Steele's The Spectator reflect the transition from Neoclassicism to sentimentalism in literature?
  • The Spectator represented a shift from the formal rigidity of Neoclassicism towards the emotional engagement characteristic of sentimentalism. By focusing on personal experiences, moral dilemmas, and social commentary, Addison and Steele appealed to readers' emotions rather than strictly adhering to classical ideals. This shift allowed for more relatable content that resonated with everyday life and feelings, highlighting the emerging importance of individual sentiment in literature.
• What techniques did Addison and Steele use in The Spectator to connect with their readers on an emotional level?
  • Addison and Steele employed various techniques in The Spectator to create emotional connections with their readers. They used relatable characters like Sir Roger de Coverley to illustrate diverse viewpoints on social issues. Their accessible language made complex ideas understandable, while their discussions on morality encouraged readers to reflect on their own lives. By combining humor with serious commentary, they engaged their audience in a way that felt personal and relevant.
• Evaluate the impact of The Spectator on contemporary literature and its role in shaping public discourse during the early 18th century.
  • The Spectator significantly impacted contemporary literature by establishing the periodical essay as a respected literary form. It influenced how writers approached social commentary by blending entertainment with moral reflection. By engaging a wide audience in discussions about values, manners, and societal norms, Addison and Steele fostered a sense of community among readers while encouraging active participation in public discourse. This not only paved the way for future literary works but also contributed to shaping public opinion during a time of evolving social consciousness.

Related terms

Sentimentalism: A literary movement emphasizing emotion, individuality, and the moral influence of feeling, which emerged in response to the rationalism of Neoclassicism.

Periodical Essay: A form of writing that became popular in the early 18th century, characterized by its regular publication in newspapers or magazines, often addressing contemporary social issues.

Neoclassicism: An artistic and literary movement that drew inspiration from classical antiquity, focusing on reason, order, and decorum, which began to decline as sentimental themes gained popularity.