Alexander Pope was an 18th century poet and satirist who was a native of England. He is best known for his poems ‘An Essay on Criticism’, ‘The Rape of the Lock’ and for his translation of Homer’s Iliad. He was a friend of Jonathan Swift and poet Thomas Parnell of Portlaoise Co Laois.
Alexander Pope was born into a catholic family at Lombard Street, London in 1688. The Penal Laws (Test Acts), then in force had an impact on his education. The same laws did not permit Catholics to live within ten miles of London. As a result his family to move to Berkshire in 1700.
Pope was largely self-educated. His epigrams, some of which are quoted below, are some of the most frequently quoted in the English language.
‘A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian Spring’
‘To err is human, to forgive divine’
‘For fools rush in where angels fear to tread’
‘Hope springs eternal in the human breast: Man never is, but always to be blessed’
Alexander Pope, poet and satirist who was a native of England, was born in the year 1688 On This Day.
Alexander Pope