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Write a Short note on Addison’s humor
Write a short note on Addison’s humor.
Joseph Addison (1672-1719) was an influential English essayist, poet, playwright, and politician. He is best known for his work as a co-founder of “The Spectator” magazine, a publication that significantly shaped English literature and social thought in the early 18th century. Addison’s humor in “The Spectator” is gentle, witty, and often instructive. He used humor not just to entertain, but also to subtly critique and improve the manners and morals of his readers. Addison’s style was refined and elegant. He avoided harsh satire and instead opted for a more light-hearted approach.
One of the most famous examples of Addison’s humor is the character Sir Roger de Coverley. Sir Roger is a kind-hearted, slightly eccentric country gentleman who represents old-fashioned values and good sense. Through Sir Roger’s amusing anecdotes and observations, Addison gently pokes fun at various social customs and behaviors. For instance, in “Sir Roger at Church,” Sir Roger’s behavior at church is described humorously. He is very devout but also a bit awkward. While he sometimes nods off during the sermon, he quickly recovers and checks if anyone else is sleeping. As Addison writes about Sir Roger-
for if by chance he has been surprised into a short nap at sermon, upon recovering out of it he stands up and looks about him, and if he sees anybody else nodding, either wakes them himself, or sends his servant to them.
Addison also used humor to address contemporary issues, such as the vanity of fashion, the pretensions of the emerging middle class, and the oddities of human nature. His essays often contained humorous dialogues and scenarios that illustrated these themes in a relatable and engaging way.
Overall, Addison’s humor was amazing due to its ability to instruct without offending. By making his readers laugh at their own follies, he encouraged them to reflect on their behavior. In this way, Addison ideally inspired his readers to a more virtuous and reasonable way of life.