Addison and Steele - Part C

  • Depict the 18th century social pictures portrayed in 'Coverley Papers'. [NU. 2107]

/Depict the contemporary social picture portrayed in "The Coverley Papers". [NU 2014, 2012]

Joseph Addison is regarded as one of the masters of English prose. And his ‘The Coverley Papers’ is considered as a precursor of the English Novel. The Coverley Papers is the reflection of contemporary/18th century society. It depicts a picture of the then society in which Addison satirizes wealthy but lazy class of people coming from different professions.

In the The Spectator's Account of Himself the violence and conflict of Tory and Whig are found. As a spectator, Addison observes the incidents and draws the political situation which is inconsistent. To observe the real political situation, he visited many places but could not get any satisfaction among the people. Besides, the picture of a mother's dream to her son is found in the essay. A mother always desires her son to be an important person and in the essay the spectator's mother desires like that.

Steele's of the Club introduces six members of the Spectator Club. The members portray the picture of social manners and profession. We are introduced to an eccentric, odd and whimsical fellow through the sketching of Sir Roger de Coverley. Sir Andrew Freeport is a well-known wise merchant. He wants others to follow the example of his hard work to become rich. Next, Captain Centry, a military man, is modest in behaviour. He has to resign from his job because of modesty. Will Honey-Comb is old but enjoys excellent health and a sort of lady killer. The last is the Clergy. He is very wise, learned and pious though he does not go to the church regularly.


In Sir Roger at Church, Sunday is regarded as a rest day in the 18th century contemporary society. On this day people come to church in their best dresses. This has a refining influence on their characters and their manners. At least for the day, they forget the selfishness and the worldly activities throughout the week.

There is also a picture of social justice and charity in Death of Sir Roger. In the essay we find Sir Roger as a charitable person. He hands over his wealth to others. As well as the picture of justice to a poor widow woman and her fatherless children is an example of a social picture.

From the above discussion, we can say that "The Coverley Papers" is the reflection of contemporary society. This collection gives us a vivid picture of 18th century society through the portrayal of characters and their activities and professions.