286. DSC 202- 1.3 The Enlightenment and the Advent of Periodical Essays (1)

The Enlightenment, spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, was a transformative period marked by an emphasis on reason, scientific inquiry, and skepticism of traditional authorities, particularly in religion and governance. Thinkers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant championed the idea that human beings could use reason to understand and improve the world. This shift in thought laid the foundation for new literary forms, including the periodical essay, which became a crucial medium for disseminating Enlightenment ideas.

The periodical essay emerged in the early 18th century as a popular form of writing, designed to be accessible and engaging for a broad audience. These essays were published regularly in newspapers or journals and offered readers concise, topical discussions on various subjects, from politics to fashion. The Tatler, founded by Richard Steele in 1709, was one of the first successful periodicals, covering a wide range of topics in a lively, conversational style that appealed to everyday readers.

Following The Tatler's success, Steele, along with Joseph Addison, launched The Spectator in 1711. This periodical became even more influential, reaching thousands of readers across England. The Spectator is often credited with shaping the modern essay, blending moral instruction with entertainment. Addison and Steele's essays frequently addressed Enlightenment themes such as reason, virtue, and public discourse, reflecting the broader intellectual currents of the time.

The Tatler was launched by Steele in 1709 and was one of the first periodicals of its kind. It was published three times a week and covered a wide range of topics, including politics, literature, and social manners. What set The Tatler apart was its conversational style, making complex ideas accessible to the everyday reader. Steele often used the persona of Isaac Bickerstaff, a fictional editor, to present his thoughts in a way that was both engaging and relatable. The Tatler aimed to educate and entertain, combining moral instruction with commentary on contemporary events and trends.

Building on the success of The Tatler, Steele and Addison launched The Spectator in 1711. Published daily, The Spectator quickly became one of the most popular periodicals in England, reaching a wide audience across social classes. The essays in The Spectator were more refined and focused than those in The Tatler, often addressing themes central to the Enlightenment, such as reason, virtue, and civic responsibility.

The periodical essay was uniquely suited to the Enlightenment’s goals. It provided a platform for discussing new ideas in a format that was accessible to the emerging middle class.
The Tatler initially published three times a week, it was one of the first periodicals of its kind, setting the stage for the rise of the periodical essay. Steele's goal with The Tatler was to offer a blend of news, commentary, and moral instruction in an accessible format that could be enjoyed by a wide audience. The Tatler covered a wide array of topics, including politics, literature, society, and fashion. Each issue was presented as coming from different London coffeehouses, such as the White's, St. James's, or Will's Coffeehouse, each associated with a particular subject—politics, poetry, and so on. Steele’s approach was conversational and often humorous, using the fictional persona of Isaac Bickerstaff as the editor. This character allowed Steele to present his views in a way that was both engaging and satirical, appealing to readers across different social classes.

Joseph Addison to launch The Spectator in March 1711. Unlike The Tatler, The Spectator was published daily, which allowed for more sustained engagement with its audience. The purpose of The Spectator was to "enliven morality with wit, and to temper wit with morality," as Addison and Steele sought to educate and entertain their readers while promoting Enlightenment ideals. It offered essays on a variety of subjects, including philosophy, art, politics, and social issues. The periodical introduced readers to the character of Mr. Spectator, a silent observer of London society, who offered reflections on daily life and human nature. Addison's contributions were particularly noted for their refined prose and thoughtful analysis, often focusing on themes like reason, virtue, and the importance of public discourse.

In conclusion, the periodical essay was both a product of the Enlightenment and a powerful tool for advancing its ideals. By making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience, these essays helped to spread the principles of reason, tolerance, and civic engagement that were central to the Enlightenment. The legacy of the periodical essay can still be seen today in the modern essay, the editorial, and even online opinion pieces, continuing to shape public opinion and promote intellectual engagement.

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