Description
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC: Re-read Epistle I of An Essay on Man, focusing especially on the portions of the poem that we worked on together in class. Then carefully study Section 3 (beginning, “Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate…”).
As you study this section, try to determine exactly what Pope means by “hope” and hoping “humbly.” How does Pope understand these terms, judging from the way he uses them and from the way he depicts the attitude of humble hope in Section 3? Here are a few more specific issues and questions to consider as you examine this passage:
According to Alexander Pope, what makes it possible for human beings to hope? What is hope based on?
What does Pope encourage his readers to hope for, and in his view, when might their hopes find fulfillment?
What images and examples does Pope use to illustrate his ideas, and what do these illustrations imply about Pope’s understanding of hope?
Are there problems with or limitations to Pope’s understanding of hope? Can you think of other ways to understand and define hope?
Note: Answering my questions one-by-one will not constitute an essay. You will need to develop your own argument, using your own terms. My questions should function as a starting point.
Note: Your essay should remain focused on Section 3 and on the issues raised above.