Biography: Alexander Pope

Introduction
"Alexander Pope" is a bio written by Leslie Stephen in 1880 that records the life and works of Alexander Pope, one of the most prominent and important poets of the 18th century. Pope was born upon May 21, 1688, in London, England. As a member of a Roman Catholic household, he dealt with particular downsides and spiritual persecution during his time, but his talent and decision made him well-known worldwide of literature.

Early Life
Alexander Pope's moms and dads were Alexander Pope (senior) and Edith Turner. His mother's family were staunch Catholics, and this spiritual heritage had a profound effect on his life. Pope struggled with various disorders throughout his life, consisting of Pott's illness, which resulted in a defect of his spinal column resulting in a stooped appearance. He had a deep enthusiasm for literature from a young age, and taught himself French, Latin, Greek, and Italian. As a Catholic, his opportunities for getting an official education were restricted, but he participated in a school for Catholics (or "papists") run by a priest named Taverner, where he learned grammar, verse, and obtained a gratitude for the classics.

Pope showed a talent for composing from an extremely early age, impressing his fellow schoolmates and French poet, Abeilard, with his skill. He was presented to the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, John Dryden, and others, which inspired him to start composing his own verses at the age of twelve. His early satirical verses created some debate, but they did not discourage him from continuing to refine his craft.

First Works and The Rape of the Lock
At the age of 21, Pope released his very first poem "Pastorals" in the journal "Tonson's Miscellany" in 1709. His next work of significance, "An Essay on Criticism", was published in 1711. This satirical essay on literary theory highlighted Pope's wit and genius and made him acknowledgment in literary circles. In this work, Pope not only slammed contemporary poets but likewise provided a company perspective on what he thought about to be good poetry.

In 1712, Pope's "The Rape of the Lock" was released, a work that is now considered among the best mock-heroic poems ever written. Responding to a personal demand by the poet and dramatist John Caryll, Pope crafted a light and amusing story of an insignificant occurrence. The poem was a prime example of Pope's abilities as a writer and his tendency for paradox and satire.

The Dunciad and Essay on Man
As Pope's fame and impact grew, so did his tendency to produce opponents through his satirical writing. In 1728, he released "The Dunciad", a vicious satire aimed at the dull and unappetizing writers of the age. The work consists of four books, with the production of a mock goddess, "Dulness", who sponsors these inferior poets. Regardless of the poem's intriguing nature, it is now considered as a considerable piece of literary satire and a testimony to Pope's deftness as an author.

Pope's philosophical poem, "An Essay on Man", is considered one of his essential works. It was released in 1733, and it aimed to provide an analysis of human nature and the secrets of existence. It is composed of four epistles in which Pope talks about various elements of the human experience, from the conception of the universe to the value of specific joy. The work was popular and appreciated for its eloquence and philosophical ingenuity.

Later On Life and Death
Pope continued to compose thoroughly in the years following "An Essay on Man", focusing mostly on translating the works of others, specifically Homer. His translations of "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" got him extensive praise for the beauty and fluency of his rendering. His dedication to this work affected his health, and he passed away on May 30, 1744, at the age of 56.

Leslie Stephen's biography "Alexander Pope" carefully chronicles the life and work of this influential poet, capturing the essence of Pope's genius and advising readers of his enduring value in the world of literature.