The Use of Personification in “An Essay on Criticism”
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The Use of Personification in "An Essay on Criticism" "An Essay on Criticism" was written by British writer Alexander Pope around 1709. This poem was written in heroic couplets and its purpose was to express Pope's opinion on literature as a poet and critic. Pope is responding to the debate over whether or not poets should write "naturally" or base their work on a set of pre-determined rules as done by ancient poets. Pope's poem can be broken down into three main points. The first section is used by Pope to give general principles of good criticism and poetry. The second section identifies the flaws a critic is prone to. The third section addresses the moral traits a good critic must have and gives examples of outstanding critics. Pope's use of personification throughout the poem allows him to expand his ideas and secure his argument while creating a very...


