An Essay on Man Summary is an enlightening poem written by the famed poet Alexander Pope. The poem is divided into four epistles and is written in heroic couplets, which are rhymed lines composed of iambic pentameter. The poem's centerpiece is a philosophical exploration of humanity's place in the universe and its relationship to the divine.
The first epistle of An Essay on Man examines mankind's relationship to the universe and its Creator. Pope argues that the universe is governed by an all-knowing, benevolent God and that humans have no reason to despair even in the face of hardships. He maintains that God's plan is perfect and that, despite not understanding it, humans should accept their place in the divine order. He argues that humans should strive to use their reason to understand the divine order and that joy, not suffering, should be the ultimate goal of life.
The second epistle of An Essay on Man looks at the human condition and the use of reason. Pope argues that human beings are capable of understanding the universe through their own reason and that they should use this knowledge to improve their lives. He cautions against pride and encourages humanity to seek knowledge and cultivate their passions. The third epistle takes a step back and looks at the individual's relationship with nature and society as a whole. Pope argues that individuals can attain true happiness by submitting to the laws of nature and society.
The fourth epistle of An Essay on Man is focused upon man's pursuit of happiness and his ultimate end. Pope argues that there is an ultimate end for all of mankind and that this end is eternal bliss. He asserts that the pursuit of pleasure should not be an individual's highest ambition and instead encourages individuals to pursue virtue and seek wisdom from the divine. In conclusion, Pope emphasizes that all humans are subject to the laws of nature and should strive to understand the universe through reason.
