Summary:
Alexander Pope’s An Essay on Criticism (1711) is a didactic poem written in heroic couplets that provides guidance on literary criticism and poetic standards. It is divided into three main parts: the principles of criticism, the common mistakes critics make, and the ideal qualities of a good critic.
Pope emphasizes that true critics should possess knowledge, humility, and good taste. He warns against superficial judgment, excessive pride, and blind adherence to classical rules. He argues that critics should appreciate nature as the foundation of artistic beauty and recognize that great poetry follows natural laws. He also criticizes those who judge poetry based on personal bias rather than merit.
The poem is famous for its epigrams and aphorisms, including “To err is human, to forgive divine” and “A little learning is a dangerous thing.” Through this work, Pope establishes himself as a leading neoclassical poet and provides lasting insight into literary criticism.
MCQs:
- Who wrote An Essay on Criticism?
a) John Dryden
b) Jonathan Swift
c) Alexander Pope
d) Samuel Johnson
Answer: c) Alexander Pope - In what year was An Essay on Criticism published?
a) 1709
b) 1711
c) 1720
d) 1735
Answer: b) 1711 - What is the primary subject of the poem?
a) Political satire
b) Literary criticism and poetic standards
c) Love and romance
d) Religious devotion
Answer: b) Literary criticism and poetic standards
An Essay on Criticism - What poetic form is used in the poem?
a) Free verse
b) Blank verse
c) Heroic couplets
d) Terza rima
Answer: c) Heroic couplets - Which of the following famous lines comes from this poem?
a) “To err is human, to forgive divine.”
b) “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”
c) “The proper study of mankind is man.”
d) “Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink.”
Answer: a) “To err is human, to forgive divine.” - What does Pope warn against in literary criticism?
a) Following classical rules too closely
b) Judging poetry based on personal bias
c) Writing poetry without rhyme
d) Reading too many books
Answer: b) Judging poetry based on personal bias - What is the meaning of “A little learning is a dangerous thing”?
a) A small amount of knowledge can mislead people into thinking they are experts.
b) Education is unnecessary.
c) Only the highly educated should be critics.
d) People should stop reading poetry.
Answer: a) A small amount of knowledge can mislead people into thinking they are experts. - What does Pope say is the foundation of great poetry?
a) Strict adherence to classical rules
b) Complex metaphors and symbols
c) Imitation of nature
d) Religious devotion
Answer: c) Imitation of nature - What does Pope believe is the role of a good critic?
a) To judge poetry harshly
b) To correct poets and impose strict rules
c) To understand and appreciate poetry while maintaining fairness
d) To discourage poetic innovation
Answer: c) To understand and appreciate poetry while maintaining fairness - Which literary movement does An Essay on Criticism belong to?
a) Romanticism
b) Neoclassicism
c) Modernism
d) Renaissance poetry
Answer: b) Neoclassicism
Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | An Essay on Criticism |
| Poet | Alexander Pope |
| Year Published | 1711 |
| Poem Type | Didactic poem |
| Rhyme Scheme | Heroic couplets (AABB) |
| Main Themes | Literary Criticism, Nature, Judgment, Humility |
| Famous Lines | “To err is human, to forgive divine.” |
| “A little learning is a dangerous thing.” | |
| Divisions of the Poem | Three parts: principles of criticism, mistakes of critics, qualities of a good critic |
| Influence | Established Pope as a leading neoclassical poet |
| Key Message | Critics should be fair, knowledgeable, and humble |