Introduction

French literary critic and essayist, Gaston Bachelard famously said, 'The writer finds in silence and solitude the secret to produce great literature.' This statement encapsulates the solitary and introspective nature of literary creation, a trait that is evident across different eras and regions. England and the United States both have rich literary traditions, but their shared characteristics and distinct traits often serve as fertile ground for literary analysis. In this essay, we will explore a common literary feature shared by a British and an American work from the same period, focusing on the period of the Enlightenment and its aftermath. We will discuss the specific characteristics and features of these works and analyze their influences and differences.

Choosing the Works for Comparison

To make this comparison more meaningful, we will select Alexander Pope's The Rape of the Lock (1712-1714) from England and Jonathan Edwards' Beneath the Celestial Light (1722) from America. Both works share the same general timeframe, the late 17th to early 18th centuries, and present unique insights into the cultural and philosophical movements of their times.

The Role of Satire in The Rape of the Lock

The Rape of the Lock is a mock-epic poem written by Alexander Pope. It takes the form of an epic poem and deals with trivial matters, often in an exaggerated and satirical manner. The poem satirizes the frivolous and vain behavior of the English aristocracy during the 18th century. Pope uses satire to criticize societal norms and behaviors, particularly the importance placed on social status and material wealth. For instance, the characters' obsession with social ranking and fashion is satirized in the poem.

Character Analysis in The Rape of the Lock

One of the central characters in the poem is Belinda, a symbol of all the fashionable, highborn females of her time. Her life is consumed by social functions and rituals, and her personal name is cut to be foreshadow the cutting of her hair, which triggers the ensuing catastrophe. Through Belinda, Pope not only critiques the superficiality of the society but also underscores the inevitable consequences of such disregard for personal values.

Religious and Philosophical Influences in American Literature

Jonathan Edwards, a prominent American Puritan philosopher and minister, wrote Beneath the Celestial Light. This work delves into discussions of sin, redemption, and the unfathomable nature of God's creation. The essay reflects the Puritanic mindset of the time, emphasizing the profound connection between divine will and human experience. Edwards uses a philosophical and theological lens to explore the concept of God and human nature, which is evident in his discussion of the 'nature of the will.'

Analysis of Beneath the Celestial Light

The essay is divided into sections, each exploring different aspects of the human experience under divine light. Edwards discusses topics such as the essence of faith, the role of human reason, and the moral failings of humanity. For him, every human being is a fallen creature, prone to sin, and in need of divine grace to attain salvation. His exploration of these themes reveals the emphasis on individual salvation and the role of faith in one's life.

Comparing the Works

Both works share a common thread: a deep engagement with philosophical and religious themes. However, they differ in their approach and the manner of their expression. The Rape of the Lock employs satire to critique society, highlighting the foolishness and vanity of the upper class. In contrast, Beneath the Celestial Light is more directly philosophical, delving into the nature of God and the human condition.

Shared Literary Features

Both works utilize the theme of conflict and rebirth. In The Rape of the Lock, the conflict between Belinda and the mock-epic structure leads to a recognition of the folly of human ambitions. Similarly, in Beneath the Celestial Light, Edwards explores the conflict between human desires and divine will, leading to the eventual realization of the necessity of faith and redemption.

Conclusion

While Alexander Pope's The Rape of the Lock and Jonathan Edwards' Beneath the Celestial Light were written in different contexts and have different aims, they share a common literary feature: a profound engagement with philosophical and religious themes. Despite these similarities, the works also reveal distinct cultural and historical contexts. This comparison not only enriches our understanding of English and American literature but also underscores the interconnectedness of human experiences and the universal struggles that shape our world.

References

Pope, A. (2010). The Rape of the Lock. Penguin Classics. Edwards, J. (2012). Beneath the Celestial Light. Yale University Press.