Addison wrote nineteen essays in The Spectator' on one of the following works. Identify the title from the given options :
- AOption (a)
Comus
- BOption (b)
Paradise Regained
- COption (c)
Paradise Lost
- DOption (d)
Samson Agonistes
View answer & explanationHide answer & explanation
Correct answer
Paradise Lost
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Paradise Lost.
Key Points
- Joseph Addison, a prominent English essayist and literary critic, dedicated a significant series of his essays in "The Spectator" to the epic poem "Paradise Lost" by John Milton.
- Addison wrote a total of nineteen essays on "Paradise Lost," which were published between January 5 and May 3, 1712, in "The Spectator" (specifically, issues 267, 273, 279, 285, 291, 297, 303, 309, 315, 321, 327, 333, 339, 345, 351, 357, 363, 369, 375).
- These essays were instrumental in raising the literary stature of "Paradise Lost" and making it widely known and appreciated by the 18th-century English reading public. Addison systematically analyzed various aspects of the poem, including its plot, characters, sentiments, and language.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.
Additional Information
- Comus: This is a masque (a form of allegorical entertainment with music, dance, and poetry) written by John Milton, first presented in 1634. While a notable work by Milton, it was not the subject of Addison's extensive essay series in "The Spectator."
- Paradise Regained: This is a shorter epic poem by John Milton, published in 1671, which serves as a sequel to "Paradise Lost." Addison's detailed critical attention was focused on the larger epic, "Paradise Lost," rather than this sequel.
- Samson Agonistes: This is a tragic closet drama (a play meant to be read rather than performed) by John Milton, also published in 1671 alongside "Paradise Regained." Like the others, it was not the subject of Addison's influential series of essays in "The Spectator."