Epistle to a Friend Concerning Poetry (1700) and the Essay on Heroic Poetry (second edition, 1697)
Written by Samuel Wesley
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Themes, characters and key ideas in Epistle to a Friend Concerning Poetry (1700) and the Essay on Heroic Poetry (second edition, 1697), written by Chaptra AI.
- about 8 hours
- advanced
- scholarly
- didactic
- formal
Samuel Wesley's "Epistle to a Friend Concerning Poetry" and "Essay on Heroic Poetry" are seminal works of late 17th-century English literary criticism, offering a robust defense and detailed analysis of heroic or epic poetry. Wesley articulates a prescriptive view of poetry, emphasizing its moral utility, classical foundations, and the rigorous demands placed upon the poet. He delves into the structure, themes, and characteristics of the epic, drawing heavily on examples from Homer, Virgil, and Milton, while engaging with contemporary debates on the nature and purpose of verse. These essays provide invaluable insight into the neoclassical critical landscape, advocating for poetry as a vehicle for instruction and virtue, rather than mere entertainment.
“Poetry is an Art that teaches us to please, and pleases us to teach.”
Key themes
- The Nature and Purpose of Heroic Poetry
- This is the central theme, as Wesley dedicates the bulk of his 'Essay' to defining, dissecting, and defending heroic (epic) poetry. He explores its formal requirements, thematic scope, and its capacity to embody the highest forms of poetic art, emphasizing its potential for grandeur and moral elevation.
- The Moral Function of Poetry
- Wesley strongly advocates for poetry's role as a moral instructor and shaper of character. He believes that true poetry should not merely entertain but should actively promote virtue, condemn vice, and elevate the human spirit, making it a powerful tool for societal betterment.
- Classical vs. Modern Poetics
- Wesley's essays are situated within the broader 'Quarrel of the Ancients and Moderns' debate of his era. He largely champions the classical tradition, arguing for the enduring superiority and instructional value of ancient Greek and Roman models, while acknowledging the possibility of modern poets (like Milton) achieving similar heights through adherence to classical principles.
Worth discussing
How do Wesley's definitions of heroic poetry compare with modern understandings of epic literature?
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