Dr. Samuel Johnson as an Augustan Poet,John Dryden as an Augustan Poet,Alexander Pope as an Augustan Poet

 Dr. Samuel Johnson as an Augustan Poet

Dr. Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) is one of the most important literary figures of the Augustan Age, which is the period in the early 18th century marked by order, reason, balance, and classical style. As a poet, critic, and essayist, Johnson followed the ideals of ancient Roman writers like Horace and Virgil, just like other Augustan poets. His poetry showed a love for discipline, logic, and moral instruction.

Johnson’s best-known poem is The Vanity of Human Wishes (1749), written in heroic couplets. In this poem, he talks about how people run after fame, wealth, and power but often end up unhappy. The poem reflects the Augustan style through its clear language, classical references, and focus on human weakness. Another well-known work is London (1738), a satire where he criticizes the corruption and problems in society.

Like other Augustan poets, Johnson believed that poetry should teach as well as entertain. He followed traditional poetic forms and used them to express serious thoughts and moral truths. Though he was not as witty or playful as Alexander Pope, his poetry was thoughtful, powerful, and rich in meaning. His works helped to shape the language and tone of 18th-century literature.

In conclusion, Dr. Samuel Johnson is rightly called an Augustan poet. His strong moral views, classical style, and deep understanding of human life made his poetry a valuable part of English literature during the Augustan Age.

John Dryden as an Augustan Poet

John Dryden (1631–1700) is often called the father of the Augustan Age in English literature. He lived during a time of great political and social change and helped shape the style of poetry that became popular in the early 18th century. His writings reflect the main features of Augustan poetry—balance, reason, clarity, and classical influence. Dryden was a poet, dramatist, critic, and translator, and he set the tone for later poets like Alexander Pope and Samuel Johnson.

One of Dryden’s most famous poems is Absalom and Achitophel (1681), a political satire written in heroic couplets. In this poem, he used stories from the Bible to comment on the political events of his time. Another important poem is Mac Flecknoe, which is a mock-heroic satire that makes fun of poor writers. These works show his skill in combining classical forms with modern topics. His poetry is full of wit, order, and strong moral judgment, which are all qualities of Augustan poetry.

Dryden also translated classical works like those of Virgil and Homer, bringing ancient ideas to English readers in a grand and polished style. He believed that poetry should teach and guide readers by showing truth and promoting reason. His use of heroic couplets—a pair of rhymed lines in iambic pentameter—became a standard form in Augustan poetry.

In conclusion, John Dryden is a true Augustan poet. He helped create a new kind of English poetry that was elegant, intelligent, and deeply influenced by classical writers. His works prepared the way for the great poets of the 18th century, and his influence on English literature remains strong even today.

Alexander Pope as an Augustan Poet

Alexander Pope (1688–1744) is one of the most important poets of the Augustan Age in English literature. He followed the ideals of classical writers like Horace and Virgil, and his works reflect the key features of Augustan poetry—balance, order, reason, wit, and moral instruction. Pope wrote in heroic couplets (rhymed pairs of iambic pentameter lines), a style that became very popular during the Augustan period.

One of Pope’s most famous works is The Rape of the Lock (1712), a mock-heroic poem that makes fun of the upper-class society by treating a small event—a stolen lock of hair—as if it were a great war. This poem shows his clever use of classical style and his sharp sense of humour. Another major work is An Essay on Criticism, where Pope gives advice to writers and critics and expresses his belief in harmony, good taste, and following nature. His Essay on Man is a philosophical poem that talks about the place of human beings in the universe and teaches moral lessons.

Pope was also known for his satirical poems, where he attacked the corruption and foolishness of his time. His sharp wit and polished language made him a powerful voice in 18th-century poetry. Like other Augustan poets, he believed that poetry should not only entertain but also teach readers about right and wrong.

Alexander Pope is a true representative of Augustan poetry. His use of classical forms, his love for order and reason, and his ability to mix wit with moral seriousness made him one of the greatest poets of his time. His works continue to be admired for their elegance, intelligence, and timeless insights.