Joseph Addison Poetry

Joseph Addison (1672–1719) was an English essayist, poet, playwright, and politician best known for co-founding The Spectator magazine with his friend Richard Steele. His elegant prose, focusing on morality, social satire, and literary criticism, made him one of the most influential writers of the 18th century. His play Cato was highly regarded, influencing political thought, particularly in America. Addison also held various government posts, including Secretary of State. Despite personal conflicts with contemporaries like Alexander Pope, his legacy endures in his contributions to literature, especially in shaping the periodical essay format. He was buried in Westminster Abbey.

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Hope

‘Hope’ by Joseph Addison shares the lofty, optimistic belief that periods of sorrow are outlasted by renewals of happiness.

The endearingly hopeful message shared by this poem is one that you'll either take to heart or find tritely cliché, no matter how sincerely it is communicated by the poet. What stands out is Addison's imagery, which coalesces into three distinct visions/scenes meant to assure a sorrowful listener that life's woes are swiftly washed away to reveal new life, beauty, and happiness. For the speaker, hope is more than just an act of will or faith, it is an acknowledgement of an inevitable renewal.

Our lives, discoloured with our present woes,

May still grow white and shine with happier hours.

So the pure limped stream, when foul with stains

Of rushing torrents and descending rains,

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Hope

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