Abstract
This paper will discuss the translations of poetry and some of the editions that Alexander Pope produced. For this, we will consider his monumental task over the translations of the work of Homer, analysing the unprecedented economic and literary implications. In addition, we shall examine Pope’s imitations of Horace in order to highlight their content and underlying intentions, going on to present lastly his other work as an editor. This context will allow us to draw some conclusions from Pope’s own uniqueness in the English literary and creative scene during the 18th century. Pope showed himself to be independent from the prevailing circles, being outside the radius of action of patrons and the court.
Highlights
Alexander Pope was born on 21 May 1688, during the annus mirabilis that began a political era in England and dashed the hopes of the Catholics, who were excluded from positions of high office and subject to repressive legislation (Hammond, 1986: 18)
His father was a London-based merchant of Catholic faith, who retired from business in 1688 and moved to Binfield, close to Windsor forest and not far from Moor Park where Swift would live with Sir William Temple during Pope’s childhood
At the same time as he turned himself to pastoral work in his grotto at Twickenham, he flourished and grew stronger thanks to the effort involved, while his translations of poetry show signs of the same verdure
Summary
Alexander Pope was born on 21 May 1688, during the annus mirabilis that began a political era in England and dashed the hopes of the Catholics, who were excluded from positions of high office and subject to repressive legislation (Hammond, 1986: 18). Pope first embarked on his literary vocation with pastoral poetry and emphasised his interest by attempting new genres and trends, as was the case with his work of comic-heroic satire This first instalment is followed by another period of roughly ten years (1715-1726) which focused on the craft of poetry translation and even its publishing, to culminate in a new phase in which he returned to cultivate satire. The 23-year-old boy shows himself to be refining his craft and reveals his concern for poetry, posing questions about literary fame and legacy This yearning is similar to that pursued by Dryden throughout his entire life. In this case it is not a matter of mere intertextuality or simple influence as it is matter of a huge number of verses whose work occupied the poet for several years
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
