Give an account of the origin and development of English Periodical Essay in the eighteenth century.

 Give an account of the origin and development of English Periodical Essay in the eighteenth century.

Ans : The periodical essay began in the early eighteenth century in England. During this time, many changes were taking place in society. The middle class was growing, and more people were learning to read. Coffeehouses became popular places where people met to read newspapers and talk about current events. Because of these changes, there was a need for short, interesting, and moral writings. This gave rise to the periodical essay.

The first successful periodical essay was The Tatler, started by Richard Steele in 1709. He used a made-up name, Isaac Bickerstaff, to write about daily life, manners, and society. Later, Steele and Joseph Addison worked together to publish The Spectator in 1711. This became even more popular. It was published every day and used simple, polite language to teach moral lessons. Addison and Steele also created imaginary characters like Sir Roger de Coverley to make their essays more enjoyable.

After the success of The Spectator, many other writers followed the same path. Samuel Johnson wrote The Rambler and The Idler, where he discussed serious topics in a deep and thoughtful way. His essays were less funny but full of wisdom. Oliver Goldsmith also became famous for his periodical essays. In The Citizen of the World, he used the voice of a Chinese visitor to show the good and bad sides of English life.

Many other magazines like The Guardian, The Adventurer, and The Connoisseur also became popular. These essays were short, easy to read, and focused on real-life topics like education, marriage, fashion, and reading habits. They helped people to think about right and wrong and to improve their behavior.

The periodical essay became an important form of literature in the eighteenth century. Writers like Addison, Steele, Johnson, and Goldsmith used it to teach, entertain, and guide the public. These essays played a big role in shaping public opinion and good manners. The style was simple, the topics were common, and the messages were useful. Even today, their essays are remembered as great examples of English prose.