Make an assessment of Francis Bacon as an essayist. [NU. 2014]
Francis Bacon is widely regarded as one of the most influential essayists in English literature. His essays, written in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, reflect his keen observations on human nature, society, and philosophy. Here are some aspects to evaluate Francis Bacon as an essayist:
Style and Language: Bacon's writing style is aphoristic, featuring concise statements that convey profound ideas. He is known for his clear and concise prose. His essays are often characterized by straightforward language. His essays are of moderate length and express his ideas in pithy languages.
Subject Matter: Bacon's essays cover a wide range of subjects, including human behavior, morality, education, politics, and philosophy. He has full command over his subject. His essays often offer practical advice about the complexities of life. His observations on human nature and society remain relevant, providing timeless wisdom.
Incompleteness and Ambiguity: As an essayist Bacon does not give details about a subject. He writes only those aspects which he thinks significant and leaves out the rest. In Of Plantation his aim is to convey his view of colonization; not to give complete information about it.
Personal View: Like an essayist Bacon's essays are also personal. The essay thus expresses personal likes and dislikes, prejudices and predictions, of the essayist. In Of Truth his personal view about lies is found i.e. lies can
be mixed with truth for worldly gain.
Use of Literary Devices: Bacon employs various literary devices, such as metaphor, analogy, and allegory, to convey complex ideas in a more engaging and accessible manner. These techniques contribute to the artistry of his prose.
Historical Context: Evaluating Bacon as an essayist requires considering the historical context in which he wrote. The Renaissance was a period of intellectual and cultural transformation, and Bacon's essays reflect the intellectual currents and debates of his time.
An essay "must have a grain of salt within it". In other words, it should be attractive and charming, so that it may be easily retained into the mind. It should have a touch of humour. Bacon's Of Marriage and Single Life is a good example of it.
Thus, Bacon is considered a successful essayist for the features he used in his essays. Besides, he plays a very important role to the development of English prose and language.
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