Write an essay on Addison’s prose style.

Answer

Write an essay on Addison’s prose style.

Joseph Addison (1672-1719) was a great English essayist. With his friend Richard Steele (1672-1729), he published “The Spectator” in 1711. His essays changed English writing forever. Addison is famous for his clear, gentle, and balanced style. He used simple words and real stories. Addison’s prose is rich in humor and soft irony. He always balanced emotion and reason. Let us discuss his prose style.

Clear Sentence Pattern: Addison wrote clear and descriptive sentences. He always wanted everyone to understand him. In “The Spectator’s Account of Himself,” we find,

“I live in the world rather as a Spectator of mankind…”

This line is easy to read and understand. Addison carefully chose each word for clarity. Every sentence has only one main idea. He avoided confusing lines. Readers liked his style for its calm tone. He made English writing simple and easy to follow. His sentence pattern became a model for others.

Fiction Type Style: Addison’s prose often sounds like fiction. He made real characters and real daily events. He says,

“I have made myself a speculative statesman, soldier, merchant, and artisan…”

Addison tried to enter many lives. He gave his characters common problems. Sir Roger de Coverley acts like a real man. He is kind and funny, but not perfect. Addison focused on normal jobs and simple routines. He did not write about kings or battles. He showed all kinds of people and habits. His honest stories of daily life felt new and modern.

Use of Gentle Irony: Addison used soft irony all the time. He made readers smile at their own faults. When he wrote about Sunday, he said, 

“Sunday clears away the rust of the whole week.”

The line sounds cheerful and positive. But the word “rust” is ironic. It means people grow dull weekly. They attend church just for show. Sir Roger is sincere and pious. But his people lack real belief. Addison smiles gently