The Spectator’s Account of Himself : Summary
The Spectator’s Account of Himself is a notable literary work by Addison Steele. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of The Spectator’s Account of Himself.
Summary
The article “The Spectator’s Account of Himself” was published on Thursday, March 1, 1711. [To facilitate our understanding, this essay has to be divided into several parts]
Essay Introduction: The first paragraph of the essay discusses why a writer should give details about his life and purpose. According to him, a reader cannot fully enjoy a piece of writing until he knows about the author. According to the essay, a new writer will provide his life history to gain popularity among the readers.
About the Author’s Early Life: The author gives a short history of his early life. He was born in a small town. He has an interesting story about his family. This is when his mother became pregnant, she dreamed that she would have a son and that he would become a judge. The interpretation of the dream is that they are involved in a case. Although the author does not want to believe such predictions about his future life. Then he confirmed that the interpretation of the dream was established by his neighbors.
He was an introvert. He was loved by his school teachers for this quality. He says he doesn’t talk to others for no reason. He studied a lot. He even studied foreign books. He has read almost all the famous books.
Travel for the Thirst of Knowledge: After his father’s death, he wants to travel. He visited all European countries. He traveled in search of new and strange things. He even went to Egypt to get a satisfactory knowledge of the pyramids. Then he came to his country.
As a Spectator: He acquired some additional qualities after coming to his hometown. All public places like James’s Coffee House, Drury Lane, and the Haymarket are known to him. He has extensive knowledge of a soldier, merchant, politician, craftsman, etc. without practical experience. According to him, he knows the work better than those who are engaged in these works.
He became a perfect observer. Spectators are more aware of mistakes by watching players in any game, such as chess. It is very easy for the spectator to understand if the player has made a mistake. He affirms that he does not support any form of violence. He is not a member of the political parties Whigs or Tories. He wants to live with a neutral political perspective, being a spectator.
The Purpose of His Writing: The purpose of his writing is described in the essay. He is a keen observer and his keen observation of society and people comes out in his writings. The author does not speak anywhere except to his club members. They are his chosen friends. He wants to spread his experience through writing, as he does not want to speak publicly. Besides, he wants to contribute to the development of his country.
Strategic Aspects:
- He did not disclose his name, age, and lodging.
- He allows his readers to communicate with him.
- He gives readers advance notice of his upcoming works.
- He writes this essay strategically to become a well-known writer.