Alexander Pope (1688–1744) was one of the most influential English poets of the 18th century, known for his satirical verse, mastery of the heroic couplet, and sharp wit. Born in London to a Roman Catholic family, Pope faced religious discrimination that limited his access to formal education. Nevertheless, he was largely self-taught and displayed remarkable literary talent from a young age.
Pope gained early fame with Pastorals (1709) and solidified his reputation with An Essay on Criticism (1711), which offered insightful commentary on literary taste and poetic technique. One of his most celebrated works, The Rape of the Lock (1712, revised 1714), is a mock-epic poem that humorously satirizes the trivial concerns of aristocratic society. His translation of Homer’s Iliad (1715–1720) and Odyssey (1725–1726) brought him both critical acclaim and financial success.
Pope’s The Dunciad (1728, expanded 1743) is a biting satire on cultural decline and literary mediocrity, targeting his critics and highlighting his defense of artistic integrity. In An Essay on Man (1733–1734), he explored philosophical themes, such as human nature and divine order, encapsulated in the famous line: “Whatever is, is right.”
Physically frail due to a childhood illness, Pope led a secluded yet intellectually active life. His poetry is known for its precise form, balance, and moral insight. As a neoclassical poet, Pope emphasized reason, order, and decorum, becoming a central voice of the Enlightenment era and a lasting figure in English literary history.
