Disciplining of 18th Century Civil Society through The Negation of Morality, Conduct and Etiquette: A Study of Alexander Pope’s An Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot

The research paper aims to examine how Alexander Pope (1688-1744) the chief spokesman of the 18th Century England unleashed a literary crusade against his enemies in An Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot published in 1735. Considered as one of the greatest satirical pieces in English poetry, the work shows Pope’s brilliant handling of both comic and corrosive satire at his best. The study has its key areas of focus on Pope’s personal attacks which brought on his part a complete denial of the 18th Century moral laws, ethics and conducts. The highly objectionable bitter satire presented in the Epistle defies morality, conduct, and code of family honor. Yet Mr. Pope’s negation of proper etiquettes actually helps to retain the moral codes prevalent in the 18th Century England. The research paper thus aims to highlight on Pope’s handling of satire in the Epistle offering moral prescription through the denial of 18th Century etiquettes.