Alexander Pope (British and Irish Authors)

Book Details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

• Author: Yasmine Gooneratne

• Language: English

• ISBN: 9780521290517

• Pages: 160

• Cover: Paperback

• Format: Import

• Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches

About The Book

Pope's Poetry: A Critical Study by Yasmine Gooneratne, published by Cambridge University Press on September 16, 1976, offers a 160-page critical exploration of the works of Alexander Pope, whose reputation as a poet has only grown among scholars. Gooneratne’s study addresses the barriers between Pope's poetry and contemporary readers, focusing on how verse filled with allusions to ancient myths and personalities from the past can still resonate today.

The book fully engages with every major poem in Pope's canon, critically discussing each one while situating it within the social context of the time and considering both its literary genre and personal expression. Gooneratne meticulously analyzes Pope’s diction and poetic techniques, demonstrating how Pope’s verse, often deeply felt, reflects the living values of the Age of Enlightenment. This work underscores how a poet can both critique and extend societal standards through the power of their writing.

Gooneratne’s insights help modern readers connect with Pope's work, revealing how this seemingly distant poetry can still stir the imagination and speak to personal and universal themes. This book is an essential resource for those looking to understand Pope’s influence on both literature and the intellectual currents of his time.