From an Essay on Man (1733) Alexander Pope

"An Essay on Man" is a philosophical poem written by Alexander Pope in the 18th century.
The poem consists of four epistles, or letters, which explore humanity's relationship with God
and the universe.

In the first epistle, Pope argues that human beings are part of a "great chain of being" that
extends from God down to the lowest forms of life. Each link in this chain has its own place
and purpose, and all are necessary for the proper functioning of the whole. Human beings
occupy a unique place in this hierarchy because they possess reason, which allows them to
understand their place in the universe and to strive for perfection.

In the second epistle, Pope explores the relationship between reason and passion, arguing that
both are necessary for a balanced and fulfilling life. Reason enables us to control our passions
and to act in accordance with our moral principles, while passion provides us with the energy
and enthusiasm we need to achieve our goals. However, when either reason or passion
becomes too dominant, problems can arise. Too much reason can lead to coldness and
detachment, while too much passion can lead to impulsiveness and recklessness.

Overall, "An Essay on Man" is a complex and nuanced exploration of humanity's place in the
universe and the nature of our relationship with God. Pope's ideas are influenced by the
Enlightenment, which emphasized reason and scientific inquiry, as well as by the Christian
theology of his time. The poem's themes of balance, purpose, and the search for meaning
remain relevant to this day.

Epistle I: Summary

Introduction (1-16): The introduction begins with an address to Henry St. John, Lord
Bolingbroke, a friend of the poet from whose fragmentary philosophical writings Pope likely
drew inspiration for An Essay on Man. Pope urges his friend to “leave all meaner things” and
rather embark with Pope on his quest to “vindicate the ways of God to man (1, 16).

Section I (17-34): Section I argues that man can only understand the universe with regard to
human systems and constructions because he is ignorant of the greater relationships between
God’s creations.

Section II (35-76): Section II states that man is imperfect but perfectly suited to his place
within the hierarchy of creation according to the general order of things.

Epistle II: Summary

The subtitle of the second epistle is “Of the Nature and State of Man, with Respect to Himself
as an Individual” and treats on the relationship between the individual and God’s greater
design.

Here is a section-by-section explanation of the second epistle: Section I (1-52): Section I

argues that man should not pry into God’s affairs but rather study himself, especially his
nature, powers, limits, and frailties.
Explanation of Epistle I

Pope’s first epistle seems to endorse a sort of fatalism, in which all things are fated.
Everything happens for the best, and man should not presume to question God’s greater
design, which he necessarily cannot understand because he is a part of it. He further does not
possess the intellectual capability to comprehend God’s order outside of his own experience.
These arguments certainly support a fatalistic world view. According to Pope’s thesis,
everything that exists plays a role in the divine plan. God thus has a specific intention for
every element of His creation, which suggests that all things are fated. Pope, however, was
always greatly distressed by charges of fatalism. As a proponent of the doctrine of free will,
Pope’s personal opinions seem at odds with his philosophical conclusions in the first epistle.
Reconciling Pope’s own views with his fatalistic description of the universe represents an
impossible task.

The first epistle of An Essay on Man is its most ambitious. Pope states that his task is to
describe man’s place in the “universal system” and to “vindicate the ways of God to man”
(16). In the poem’s prefatory address, Pope more specifically describes his intention to
consider “man in the abstract, his Nature and his State, since, to prove any moral duty, to
enforce any moral precept, or to examine the perfection of imperfection of any creature
whatsoever, it is necessary first to know what condition and relation it is placed in, and what
is the proper end and purpose of its being.” Pope’s stated purpose of the poem further
problematises any critical reading of the first epistle. According to Pope’s own conclusions,
man’s limited intellect can comprehend only a small portion of God’s order and likewise can
have knowledge of only half-truths.

Explanation of Epistle II

The second epistle adds to the interpretive challenges presented in the first epistle. At its
outset, Pope commands man to “Know then thyself,” an adage that misdescribes his
argument (1). Although he actually intends for man to better understand his place in the
universe, the classical meaning of “Know thyself” is that man should look inwards for truth
rather than outwards. Having spent most of the first epistle describing man’s relationship to
God as well as his fellow creatures, Pope’s true meaning of the phrase is clear. It seems that
man must look outwards to gain any understanding of his divine purpose but avoid excessive
analysis of what he sees. To do so would be to assume the role of God.