Essay on Man

A detailed Summary of Essay on Man

The word 'man' is used throughout Pope's poem and refers to humankind as a whole, not necessarily the male species. As Pope states in the beginning of Epistle I, his intent is to "But vindicate the ways of God to man" (Pope pp). He sets out to demonstrate a Christian based cosmogony, or rather his theory of how the universe was created (Cody pp). Pope draws on the contemporary scientific discoveries of the day, especially those of Isaac Newton (Cody pp). This first Epistle concerns the nature of man and his place within the universe, while Epistle II deals with man as an individual, his basic nature and state of being (Cody pp). Epistle III concerns man, the individual, in relation to human society as a whole, as well as to the political and social classes, and Epistle IV, concerns humankind's pursuit of happiness (Cody pp).

Humans must accept the fact that they are a merely a speck in the universe and in the grand scheme of things, mankind actually plays an insignificant role. Thus wealth and power are of very little consequence. However, man must have faith, and strive towards goodness.

And he returned a friend, who came a foe...Thus States were formed; the name of king unknown, 'Till common interest placed the sway in one" (Pope pp).

One common blessing, as one common soul. But fortune's

"Heaven breathes through every member of the whole

In Epistle IV, Pope explains that happiness is equal in God's eye,

His knowledge measured to his state and place;

God in externals could not place content" (Pope pp).

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Approximate Word count = 585
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Religion

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