One of the most popular English essays "Sir Roger at Home" written by, "The Noblest Purifier of English Literature", Joseph Addison. It was first published on 2 July, 1711. In the course of the story, the Spectator is invited by his friend, Sir Roger de Coverley, to stay at his country house for a month. The Spectator tells readers that he intends to form several speculations while staying at the country house. Sir Roger is a New Testament Godly figure. The essay also shows the character of Sir Roger as a mixture of humanity, hospitality, love, disappointment, honesty, goodness, and even superstition. Although Sir Roger at Home is country life.
Sir Roger is also known for his authoritative power. It was the 106th issue of The Spectator. Sir Roger is a 56-year-old baronet who lives in Soho square, London. Joseph Addison was also part of Whig party and supported religious tolerance. He was regarded for many generations as one of the most significant English writers of his time. He was appointed secretary to the new Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Lord Wharton. The essay shows the oddities and vices of 18th century English society through the character of Sir Roger. Sir Roger at Home is a periodical essay.
At the beginning of the essay, the writer Joseph Addison expresses that he has got a lot of time the invitations from Sir Roger De Coverley to visit Coverley's country house. In Coverley's house, novelist shows, "When the gentlemen of the country come to see him, he only shows me at a distance: as I have been walking in his fields I have observed them stealing a sight of me over an hedge." Addison was more peaceful at the house.
In a precious time Addison sees, Sir Roger De Coverley was good hearted man. "Who [Coverley] seldom changes his servants; and as he is beloved by all about him, his servants never care for leaving him; by this means his domestics are all in years, and grown old with their master." In the last night, when the writer was walking with Sir R. D. Coverley, Coverley expresses about a man, although he doesn't stay on his topic rather unfolds, "he was afraid of being insulted with Latin and Greek at his own table, for which reason he desired a particular friend of his at the University."
In a time, Coverley expresses to the preachers where Addison saw with a great deal of pleasure Archbishop Tillotson, Bishop Saunderson, Dr. Barrow, Dr. Calamy, with several living authors who have published discourses of practical divinity. Addison ends the composition by unfolding, "I could heartily wish that more of our country clergy would follow this example; and, instead of wasting their spirits in laborious compositions of their own."
The essay also shows Sir Roger as a symbol of traditional English virtues, such as kindness, honesty, and a sense of duty. Addison uses Sir Roger's character to contrast the simplicity and moral values of the past with the changing and more complex society of his time. The essays highlight the virtues of rural life in contrast to the vices and superficiality of urban life. Ultimately, "Sir Roger at Home" provides a window into 18th-century English society and values, as seen through the eyes of a charming and somewhat eccentric character.
In conclusion, Addison's essay "Sir Roger at Home", the two creators of the character of Sir Roger tried to show the oddities and vices of 18th century English society through Sir Roger. Through the portrayal of Sir Roger's virtues, interactions, and observations, Addison conveys timeless messages about the values of simplicity, rural life, and traditional English virtues. Samuel Johnson's critical analysis and observations on Addison's writings have contributed to the understanding and appreciation of Addison's work, including his portrayal of Sir Roger de Coverley.
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