381. DSC 202: The Spectator's Club (1)

The "Spectator Club" by Richard Steele and Joseph Addison is a fictional club of seven members, each representing different facets of English society. The document summarizes the characters that were part of the fictional "Spectator Club" created by Richard Steele in his magazine The Spectator. The essay begins by introducing the club members.

The club included six main members that represented different parts of 18th century English society and served as mouthpieces for Steele's commentary: Sir Roger de Coverley is a Baronet, fifty six year old and represented the country gentry. He was known for his good sense, good nature, and a cheerful disposition. He is from Worcestershire and is a baronet (A type of hereditary British honorary title). Sir Roger is liked by everyone. He once loved a widow but was rejected. This changed him and made him dress simply. Sir Roger is friendly and fair to his tenants and servants. He is a justice and is respected by all. 

The next is the Templar, a young Lawyer and an unnamed, witty, bachelor member of the Inner Temple who is a well-read intellectual but not a practicing lawyer. He was sent to study law by his father. The Templar likes classic books and going to plays more than law. He is smart and good at talking.

Sir Andrew Freeport was a prominent merchant or businessman. He is the third member. He is a wealthy, self-made London businessman who represents the world of commerce and economics.He is a hardworking London merchant. He believes in making money through business, not war. He says a penny saved is a penny got. He speaks clearly and gives good advice on trade.

Captain Sentry was a modest war hero or army officer. He is the retired soldier, a military man, representing the army and its role in society. He served as an army officer and fought bravely. He is honest and shy. He left the army because he is too modest to seek attention. He is a good storyteller. People trust and like him.

Will Honeycomb a dandy focused on manners and fashion. He is interested in fashion, love, and the social scene. He is older, but he cares a lot about looks. He is always up-to-date with the latest fashion. He knows many stories about the past and women at court. He is fun and brings life to the club.

 A Clergyman provided religious perspective. He is an unnamed member representing the clergy. He is the last member. He does not visit often. He is wise, gentle, and very religious. He cannot work much because he is weak. When he visits, he talks about religion and good morals.

By featuring the conversations and viewpoints of these diverse characters, The Spectator was able to discuss a wide variety of social and political topics through an entertaining fictional framework

The "Mr. Spectator" himself (the narrator and observer). Through their fictional conversations, Steele and Addison provide commentary on social, cultural, and political issues of their time. 

The Narrator and the Purpose of the Club: The narrator, Mr. Spectator, watches and listens to all of them. The narrator and observer of London society who uses the club to discuss and analyze different viewpoints. Each member is different. Together, they show the many sides of English society. The club is a place for sharing ideas and learning from each other. Joseph Addison, portrayed him as the ostensible author of papers and letters that were published in Addison and Richard Steele's influence. The essay ends by saying these men are the writer’s main friends and companions. 

The main idea of “The Spectator Club” is to present a group of gentlemen discussing moral and social issues in a conversational and engaging manner. It is a part of the famous publication series "The Spectator," written by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele during the 18th century and its purpose of the Spectator Club is to: 

To provide a framework for Steele and Addison to discuss various aspects of English society, including politics, religion, and culture.

To offer social and moral commentary through the "conversations" of the fictional club members.

To represent different social types through the varied members of the club, such as the country gentry, the merchant class, and the military.

To allow the authors to promote a sense of refined sociability and polite conversation among the leisured class.