7.3 The Influence of the Periodical Essay on Public Discourse and Opinion
3 min read•august 13, 2024
The periodical essay revolutionized public discourse in the early 18th century. These short, informal pieces covered a wide range of topics and made complex ideas accessible to a growing middle-class readership.
Periodical essays shaped public opinion and sparked intellectual debate. They spread Enlightenment ideas, critiqued social norms, and encouraged critical thinking. This new form of writing played a key role in creating a more informed and engaged .
The Periodical Essay's Influence on Public Discourse
Emergence and Characteristics of the Periodical Essay
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Eighteenth-Century Poetry Archive / Works / AN ESSAY ON CONVERSATION. (Benjamin Stillingfleet) View original
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- Periodical essays emerged as a new literary form in the early 18th century
- Published regularly in journals or magazines
- Characterized by short, informal essays
- Typically written by a single author or a small group of authors
- Often used pseudonyms or fictional personas to create familiarity with readers (e.g., Isaac Bickerstaff in )
- Covered a wide range of topics
- Politics, society, culture, , and manners
- Aimed to inform, educate, and entertain readers
Influence on Public Opinion and Intellectual Debate
- Conversational tone and accessible style made periodical essays popular among growing middle-class readership
- Sought guidance and commentary on contemporary issues
- Periodical essayists used various literary devices to critique social norms, political policies, and cultural practices
- Humor, , and irony (e.g., Addison and Steele's satirical portrayal of coffee house culture in )
- Addressed readers directly and encouraged critical thinking about the world around them
- Helped shape public opinion and stimulate intellectual debate
- Promoted active engagement with ideas and issues
Democratization of Knowledge Through the Periodical Essay
Dissemination of Enlightenment Ideas
- Played a significant role in disseminating Enlightenment ideas to a broader audience
- Reason, tolerance, progress, individual liberty, religious tolerance, and the pursuit of happiness
- Made complex ideas and arguments accessible to non-specialist readership
- Helped democratize knowledge and encourage public engagement with intellectual discourse
- Critiqued traditional authorities and superstitions
- Promoted Enlightenment values and ideals
Creation of a Public Sphere
- Wide circulation of periodical essays facilitated by advances in printing technology and distribution networks
- Reached a geographically dispersed and socially diverse readership
- Contributed to the creation of a public sphere
- Individuals could participate in rational debate and exchange ideas outside traditional institutions (church, state)
- Modeled critical thinking, civil discourse, and polite conversation
- Cultivated a culture of reasoned debate and intellectual inquiry
- Encouraged active citizenship and public participation
Periodical Essay and the Growth of Print Culture
Expansion of the Reading Public
- Popularity of periodical essays coincided with significant expansion of the reading public in the early 18th century
- Rising literacy rates, increased leisure time, and growth of the middle class
- Affordable and widely available
- Accessible to readers from diverse social and economic backgrounds
- Regular publication schedule created a habit of reading and sense of anticipation among readers
- Looked forward to each new installment (e.g., The Tatler published three times a week)
Contribution to Print Culture and Periodical Literature
- Often collected and reprinted in book form
- Reached an even wider audience
- Success encouraged the development of other forms of periodical literature
- Magazines, reviews, and newspapers
- Further expanded the reading public and market for print
- Created a shared cultural experience and common frame of reference
- Fostered a sense of community and national identity among readers
Legacy of the Periodical Essay
Influence on English Prose Style and Literary Forms
- Promoted a clear, concise, and conversational mode of writing
- Well-suited to the needs of a broad readership
- Inspired many imitators and successors, both in Britain and abroad
- Adapted the form to suit their own cultural and political contexts
- Influenced the development of the modern essay
- Emphasis on social commentary, cultural criticism, and personal reflection
- Practiced by writers such as Charles Lamb, William Hazlitt, and Virginia Woolf
Impact on Modern Journalism and Public Discourse
- Combination of news, opinion, and entertainment anticipated the development of modern journalism
- Emergence of the newspaper column and magazine article
- Enduring popularity of the essay as a literary form
- Continued importance of periodical literature in shaping public discourse and opinion
- Commitment to reasoned debate, civil discourse, and the free exchange of ideas
- Remains an important model for democratic societies, even in the digital age
- Promotes active citizenship and public engagement with ideas and issues
Key Terms to Review (18)
Advocacy journalism: Advocacy journalism is a form of journalism that actively promotes a particular cause or viewpoint, aiming to influence public opinion and policy. This type of journalism often takes a stance on social, political, or environmental issues, encouraging readers to engage with the topic and support the advocated position. Through persuasive writing and selective reporting, advocacy journalism aims to shape the narrative surrounding important issues in society.
Enlightenment thought: Enlightenment thought refers to a philosophical movement in the late 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This movement encouraged critical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge, which led to significant developments in literature, politics, and science. The principles of enlightenment thought influenced public discourse and opinion through the rise of periodical essays and shaped new forms of tragedy in literature that reflected societal changes.
Feminine ideal: The feminine ideal refers to a set of cultural standards and expectations that define the traits, behaviors, and roles deemed desirable for women in society. This concept often emphasizes attributes such as beauty, virtue, domesticity, and submissiveness, shaping public perception and discourse around women's identities and contributions. In the context of public discourse, particularly through periodical essays, this ideal was both propagated and critiqued, influencing societal attitudes toward women during the Restoration and early eighteenth century.
Gender discourse: Gender discourse refers to the ways in which gender is discussed, represented, and understood in society, including the language, narratives, and social constructs surrounding gender identity and roles. This concept explores how societal norms and values shape perceptions of masculinity and femininity, often influencing public opinion and cultural attitudes.
Increased literacy rates: Increased literacy rates refer to the growing ability of individuals to read and write, particularly during the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century, which significantly impacted society. This surge in literacy not only opened up access to literature and education but also empowered the general public to engage in discussions and debates, making them more informed citizens. As literacy expanded, it contributed to a shift in public discourse, enabling a broader audience to participate in the exchange of ideas through various forms of media, including periodical essays.
Joseph Addison: Joseph Addison was an English essayist, poet, and playwright best known for co-founding the periodical 'The Spectator' in 1711. His work marked a significant shift in literature, helping to establish the periodical essay as a popular literary form and influencing public discourse in England through insightful commentary on society, manners, and morals.
Morality: Morality refers to the principles and standards that determine what is right or wrong, good or bad in human conduct. It plays a crucial role in shaping societal values and individual behaviors, often reflected through literature and public discourse. The exploration of morality during the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century highlights its significance in guiding human relationships, ethical reasoning, and social norms.
Public sphere: The public sphere is a space where individuals come together to discuss and debate societal issues, share ideas, and form public opinion, often independent of governmental influence. It emerged as a significant concept during the Enlightenment, influencing literature and thought by promoting reasoned discourse and critical thinking among the populace.
Reader engagement: Reader engagement refers to the emotional and intellectual involvement of a reader with a text, which can lead to a deeper understanding and connection to the material. This concept highlights the role of the reader as an active participant in the reading process, where their responses, interpretations, and interactions shape their experience. In the context of essays from the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century, reader engagement is crucial as it influences public discourse and opinion, reflecting how writings can resonate with audiences and provoke thought or action.
Rhetorical questioning: Rhetorical questioning is a literary device where a question is posed not to elicit an answer but to provoke thought or emphasize a point. This technique often engages the audience by encouraging them to reflect on their beliefs or assumptions, making it particularly powerful in persuasive writing and public discourse.
Richard Steele: Richard Steele was an influential Irish writer and politician of the early 18th century, best known for co-founding the periodical essays 'The Tatler' and 'The Spectator'. His work in these publications played a key role in the development of the periodical essay as a distinct literary form, shaping public discourse and opinion while also bridging the gap between Restoration comedy and the emerging sentimental style.
Rise of the middle class: The rise of the middle class refers to the significant growth and emergence of a social class that is neither aristocratic nor impoverished, but rather composed of merchants, professionals, and skilled laborers. This shift was marked by increased economic opportunities, social mobility, and a changing societal structure that placed value on individual merit and education. The rise of the middle class was instrumental in transforming public discourse and opinion, especially through literature and periodicals that catered to their interests and concerns.
Satire: Satire is a literary technique used to expose and criticize foolishness, corruption, or societal shortcomings through humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule. This method often aims to provoke thought and inspire change by highlighting flaws in human behavior or institutions, making it a powerful tool in both literature and social commentary.
Sociability: Sociability refers to the capacity and inclination of individuals to engage with others in social contexts, fostering interactions that are both meaningful and enjoyable. In the historical context, sociability emerged as a significant cultural ideal during the Restoration and early eighteenth century, emphasizing the importance of social gatherings, conversation, and public discourse as central aspects of community life. This ideal was particularly reflected in the writings of influential figures who sought to shape public opinion and promote civic engagement through periodical essays.
The Coverley Papers: The Coverley Papers refer to a series of essays published in the early 18th century, primarily written by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele, in their periodical, The Spectator. These essays played a crucial role in shaping public discourse and opinion by addressing social issues, moral values, and contemporary life, fostering a new form of literary expression that engaged a broad audience.
The guardian: The Guardian was a prominent periodical published in England during the early 18th century, which played a significant role in the development of the periodical essay as a literary form. It served as a vehicle for social commentary, addressing contemporary issues and influencing public opinion through a blend of personal narrative, wit, and moral instruction.
The spectator: The Spectator refers to a periodical essay published in the early 18th century, primarily written by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele, that aimed to entertain and inform the public while promoting moral values and social commentary. This influential publication served as a platform for discussing political, social, and philosophical ideas of the time, reflecting the changing dynamics of society and literature during the Restoration and Enlightenment.
The Tatler: The Tatler was a pioneering periodical founded in 1709 by Richard Steele, focusing on various aspects of contemporary life, culture, and manners in early 18th-century England. It played a crucial role in the rise of the periodical essay as a literary form and reflected the political, social, and intellectual changes of its time.