Popular Superstitions by Joseph Addison | Popular Superstitions | Joseph Addison | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
Popular Superstitions
Visions and magic spells, can you despise,
And laugh at witches, ghosts, and prodigies?
Going yesterday to dine with an old acquaintance, I had the misfortune to find his whole family very much dejected. Upon asking him the occasion of it, he told me that his wife had dreamt a very strange dream the night before, which they were afraid portended some misfortune to themselves or to their children. At her coming into the room, I observed a settled melancholy in her countenance, which I should have been troubled for, had I not heard from whence it proceeded. We were no sooner sat down, but, after having looked upon me a little while, “My dear,” says she, turning to her husband, “you may now see the stranger that was in the candle last night.” Soon after this, as they began to talk of family affairs, a little boy at the lower end of the table told her that he was to go into join-hand on Thursday. “Thursday!” says she. “No, child; if it please God, you shall not begin upon Childermas-day; tell your writing-master that Friday will be soon enough.” I was reflecting with myself on the oddness of her fancy, and wondering that anybody would establish it as a rule, to lose a day in every week. In the midst of these my musings, she desired me to reach her a little salt upon the point of my knife, which I did in such a trepidation and hurry of obedience that I let it drop by the way; at which she immediately startled, and said it fell towards her. Upon this I looked very blank; and observing the concern of the whole table, began to consider myself, with some confusion, as a person that had brought a disaster upon the family. The lady, however, recovering herself after a little space, said to her husband with a sigh, “My dear, misfortunes never come single.” My friend, I found, acted but an under part at his table; and, being a man of more good-nature than understanding, thinks himself obliged to fall in with all the passions and humours of his yoke-fellow. “Do not you remember, child,” says she, “that the pigeon-house fell the very afternoon that our careless wench spilt the salt upon the table?”—“Yes,” says he, “my dear; and the next post brought us an account of the battle of Almanza.” The reader may guess at the figure I made, after having done all this mischief. I despatched my dinner as soon as I could, with my usual taciturnity; when, to my utter confusion, the lady seeing me quitting my knife and fork, and laying them across one another upon my plate, desired me that I would humour her so far as to take them out of that figure and place them side by side. What the absurdity was which I had committed I did not know, but I suppose there was some traditionary superstition in it; and therefore, in obedience to the lady of the house, I disposed of my knife and fork in two parallel lines, which is the figure I shall always lay them in for the future, though I do not know any reason for it.
It is not difficult for a man to see that a person has conceived an aversion to him. For my own part, I quickly found, by the lady’s looks, that she regarded me as a very odd kind of fellow, with an unfortunate aspect: for which reason I took my leave immediately after dinner, and withdrew to my own lodgings. Upon my return home, I fell into a profound contemplation on the evils that attend these superstitious follies of mankind; how they subject us to imaginary afflictions, and additional sorrows, that do not properly come within our lot. As if the natural calamities of life were not sufficient for it, we turn the most indifferent circumstances into misfortunes, and suffer as much from trifling accidents as from real evils. I have known the shooting of a star spoil a night’s rest; and have seen a man in love grow pale, and lose his appetite, upon the plucking of a merry-thought. A screech-owl at midnight has alarmed a family more than a band of robbers; nay, the voice of a cricket hath struck more terror than the roaring of a lion. There is nothing so inconsiderable which may not appear dreadful to an imagination that is filled with omens and prognostics: a rusty nail or a crooked pin shoots up into prodigies.
I remember I was once in a mixed assembly that was full of noise and mirth, when on a sudden an old woman unluckily observed there were thirteen of us in company. This remark struck a panic terror into several who were present, insomuch that one or two of the ladies were going to leave the room; but a friend of mine taking notice that one of our female companions was big with child, affirmed there were fourteen in the room, and that, instead of portending one of the company should die, it plainly foretold one of them should be born. Had not my friend found this expedient to break the omen, I question not but half the women in the company would have fallen sick that very night.
An old maid that is troubled with the vapours produces infinite disturbances of this kind among her friends and neighbours. I know a maiden aunt of a great family, who is one of these antiquated Sibyls, that forebodes and prophesies from one end of the year to the other. She is always seeing apparitions and hearing death-watches; and was the other day almost freighted out of her wits by the great house-dog that howled in the stable, at a time when she lay ill of the toothache. Such an extravagant cast of mind engages multitudes of people not only in impertinent terrors, but in supernumerary duties of life, and arises from that fear and ignorance which are natural to the soul of man. The horror with which we entertain the thoughts of death, or indeed of any future evil, and the uncertainty of its approach, fill a melancholy mind with innumerable apprehensions and suspicions, and consequently dispose it to the observation of such groundless prodigies and predictions. For as it is the chief concern of wise men to retrench the evils of life by the reasonings of philosophy, it is the employment of fools, to multiply them by the sentiments of superstition.
For my own part, I should be very much troubled were I endowed with this divining quality, though it should inform me truly of everything that can befall me. I would not anticipate the relish of any happiness, nor feel the weight of any misery, before it actually arrives.
I know but one way of fortifying my soul against these gloomy presages and terrors of mind; and that is, by securing to myself the friendship and protection of that Being who disposes of events and governs futurity. He sees, at one view, the whole thread of my existence, not only that part of it which I have already passed through, but that which runs forward into all the depths of eternity. When I lay me down to sleep, I recommend myself to His care; when I awake, I give myself up to His direction. Amidst all the evils that threaten me, I will look up to Him for help, and question not but He will either avert them, or turn them to my advantage. Though I know neither the time nor the manner of the death I am to die, I am not at all solicitous about it; because I am sure that he knows them both, and that He will not fail to comfort and support me under them.
Summary
“Popular Superstitions” is an essay by Joseph Addison that provides a satirical commentary on the superstitions that were prevalent in society during his time. The essay begins with Addison visiting an old friend’s family. This family is deeply entrenched in superstitious beliefs, which significantly influence their everyday life.
The lady of the house, for instance, believes that dreams can bring good or bad luck. This belief affects her daily actions and decisions, as she interprets her dreams and uses them to guide her actions throughout the day. This is a clear example of how superstitions can influence a person’s behavior and decision-making process.
The family also refrains from initiating any new work on Childermas day, considering it to be inauspicious. This belief restricts their activities and creates unnecessary fear and anxiety. It shows how superstitions can limit a person’s freedom and hinder their progress.
Another superstition that the family adheres to is the belief that the spilling of salt is a bad omen. If salt is spilled at dinner, it spoils the mood of the entire family. They interpret this minor accident as a sign of impending misfortune, which creates a negative atmosphere and spoils the joy of their meal.
Similarly, if a knife and fork are left crossed upon a plate, the family becomes gloomy and sad. They interpret this as a sign of impending misfortune. This belief creates unnecessary fear and anxiety, spoiling the peace and harmony of the family.
Addison criticizes these superstitions and highlights their harmful influence on the social atmosphere. He shows how they poison human life and create unnecessary fear and anxiety. He aims to castigate those vices and follies which are beyond the reach of law and the pulpit.
His chief aim is social reform. Through this essay, Addison points out the folly of superstitious beliefs which poison our everyday life. He inspires a feeling that such follies must be abolished for the betterment of society. He advocates for reason and logic over blind faith in superstitions.
In conclusion, “Popular Superstitions” is a critique of the irrational beliefs that people hold and the negative impact they have on society. It is a call for rational thinking and a move away from baseless superstitions. Addison’s essay is a timeless piece that remains relevant even today, as it encourages us to question our beliefs and strive for a rational and logical approach to life.
Key Points
Author
Joseph Addison was an English essayist, poet, playwright, and politician. He was a man of letters, eldest son of Lancelot Addison. His name is usually remembered alongside that of his long-standing friend Richard Steele, with whom he founded The Spectator magazine.
Introduction
“Popular Superstitions” is an essay by Joseph Addison. It is a social satire on the widely spread and observed superstitions in most families. The essay provides a critique of the irrational beliefs that people hold and the negative impact they have on society.
Structure
The essay is structured as a narrative, beginning with Addison’s visit to an old friend’s family. The family’s superstitious beliefs and practices are then described in detail, followed by Addison’s critique of these superstitions. The essay concludes with a call for rational thinking and a move away from baseless superstitions.
Setting
The setting of the essay is an old friend’s house where Addison observes the family’s superstitious beliefs and practices. The setting serves as a microcosm of the society at large, reflecting the widespread prevalence of superstitions.
Theme
The main theme of the essay is the critique of superstitions. Addison criticizes the irrational beliefs and practices that people hold, highlighting their harmful influence on the social atmosphere. He advocates for reason and logic over blind faith in superstitions.
Style
Addison’s style in this essay is characterized by his use of satire to critique the superstitions prevalent in society. His language is simple yet effective, and he uses humor and irony to highlight the absurdity of the superstitions. He also uses vivid descriptions to bring the superstitious practices to life, making the essay engaging and thought-provoking.
Message
The message of the essay is clear: superstitions are irrational and harmful, and they should be replaced with rational thinking. Addison calls for a move away from baseless superstitions and advocates for a society guided by reason and logic. He emphasizes the need for social reform and the abolition of such follies for the betterment of society. Through this essay, Addison inspires a feeling that such follies must be abolished for the betterment of society. He advocates for reason and logic over blind faith in superstitions. His essay is a timeless piece that remains relevant even today, as it encourages us to question our beliefs and strive for a rational and logical approach to life.
Joseph Addison
1. Birth and Early Life Joseph Addison was born on May 1, 1672, in Milston, Wiltshire, England1. He was the eldest son of Lancelot Addison.
2. Education Addison was educated at Charterhouse School, London, where he first met Richard Steele, and at The Queen’s College, Oxford. He excelled in classics and became a fellow of Magdalen College.
3. Career Addison was an English essayist, poet, playwright, and politician. He was a leading contributor to and guiding spirit of the periodicals The Tatler and The Spectator.
4. Collaboration with Richard Steele His name is usually remembered alongside that of his long-standing friend Richard Steele, with whom he founded The Spectator magazine.
5. Writing Style His simple prose style marked the end of the mannerisms and conventional classical images of the 17th century.
6. Notable Works Some of his notable works include “Cato, a Tragedy”, and his contributions to The Spectator magazine.
7. Death Joseph Addison died on June 17, 1719.
Word Meaning
| Tough Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Superstitions | Irrational beliefs or practices considered as ominous |
| Dine | To have a meal, typically the main meal of the day |
| Acquaintance | A person one knows but not intimately |
| Dejected | Downcast or disheartened |
| Portended | Served as a warning or indication of a future event |
| Melancholy | A feeling of deep sadness |
| Countenance | Facial expression or appearance |
| Childermas-day | The day commemorating the massacre of infants |
| Fancy | Imagination or liking for something |
| Musings | Deep thoughts or reflections |
| Trepidation | Fearful uncertainty or agitation |
| Sigh | A deep, audible breath expressing sadness or relief |
| Obliged | Morally or legally bound to do something |
| Passions | Strong emotions or intense feelings |
| Yoke-fellow | A companion or partner |
| Wench | A young woman or girl (archaic) |
| Spilt | Past tense of spill; to cause liquid to flow over the edge |
| Battle of Almanza | A historical battle in the War of the Spanish Succession |
| Mischief | Harm or trouble caused by someone’s actions |
| Taciturnity | Reserved or uncommunicative behavior |
| Utter | To express or speak aloud |
| Absurdity | The quality of being ridiculous or unreasonable |
| Conceived | Formed or developed in the mind |
| Aversion | A strong dislike or opposition |
| Lodgings | Accommodations or a place to stay |
| Contemplation | Deep thought or reflection |
| Follies | Foolish or irrational actions |
| Afflictions | Sufferings or hardships |
| Calamities | Disasters or catastrophic events |
| Trifling | Unimportant or trivial |
| Plucking | Pulling or taking hold of something with force |
| Merry-thought | A fork-shaped bone in a fowl’s breast, traditionally used for making wishes |
| Screech-owl | A type of owl known for its harsh, screeching call |
| Cricket | An insect known for its chirping sound |
| Dreadful | Extremely bad or unpleasant |
| Omens | Signs or events believed to foretell the future |
| Prognostics | The practice of predicting future events |
| Rusty nail | A nail covered with rust |
| Crooked pin | A pin that is bent or not straight |
| Prodigies | Extraordinary events or occurrences |
| Mirth | Amusement or joyousness |
| Foretold | Predicted or announced beforehand |
| Expedient | Convenient or practical |
| Maiden aunt | An unmarried aunt |
| Antiquated | Outdated or old-fashioned |
| Sibyls | Female prophets or seers in ancient mythology |
| Forebodes | Predicts or indicates future misfortune |
| Prophesies | Foretells or predicts future events |
| Apparitions | Ghostly appearances or supernatural visions |
| Death-watches | Superstitious belief in the ticking sound of a beetle being an omen of death |
| Freighted | Loaded or burdened |
| Wits | Mental faculties or intelligence |
| Howled | Made a loud, prolonged cry like a wolf or dog |
| Stable | A building for housing and feeding horses |
| Extravagant | Excessive or lacking restraint |
| Impertinent | Irrelevant or rude |
| Innumerable | Too many to be counted |
| Apprehensions | Anxieties or fears |
| Suspicions | Doubts or mistrust |
| Retrench | Reduce or diminish in extent or quantity |
| Endowed | Gifted with a particular quality or attribute |
| Befall | Happen or occur |
| Relish | Enjoyment or appreciation |
| Misery | Suffering or extreme unhappiness |
| Fortifying | Strengthening or reinforcing |
| Gloomy | Dark or despondent |
| Presages | Forewarnings or omens |
| Eternity | Infinite or endless time |
| Amidst | In the middle of or surrounded by |
| Avert | Prevent or turn away |
| Solicitous | Anxiously concerned or attentive |
Very Short Answer Questions
Who is the author of “Popular Superstitions”?
Joseph Addison.
What is the main theme of “Popular Superstitions”?
The critique of superstitions and irrational beliefs.
What does Addison advocate for in the essay?
Reason and logic over blind faith in superstitions.
What is the setting of the essay?
An old friend’s house.
What is the structure of the essay?
It follows a narrative structure.
What is the impact of superstitions on the family in the essay?
Superstitions significantly influence their everyday life.
What is the mood of the family when salt is spilled at dinner?
The mood of the entire family is spoiled.
What does Addison aim to castigate through this essay?
Vices and follies which are beyond the reach of law and the pulpit.
What does Addison call for at the end of the essay?
A move away from baseless superstitions and a society guided by reason and logic.
What is the style of Addison’s writing in the essay?
Satirical and critical.
What does Addison criticize in the essay?
The irrational beliefs and practices that people hold.
What does Addison use to highlight the absurdity of superstitions?
Humor and irony.
What does Addison inspire through this essay?
A feeling that follies must be abolished for the betterment of society.
What is the impact of Addison’s essay?
It encourages us to question our beliefs and strive for a rational and logical approach to life.
What does Addison point out through this essay?
The folly of superstitious beliefs which poison our everyday life.
What is the message of the essay?
Superstitions are irrational and harmful, and they should be replaced with rational thinking.
What does Addison emphasize in the essay?
The need for social reform and the abolition of follies for the betterment of society.
What does Addison reflect in the essay?
His belief in the power of reason and rational thinking.
What does Addison use to bring the superstitious practices to life in the essay?
Vivid descriptions.
What does Addison show through the essay?
How superstitions poison human life and create unnecessary fear and anxiety.
Short Answer Questions
What is the main argument presented by Joseph Addison in “Popular Superstitions”?
Addison argues that superstitions are irrational and harmful, and they should be replaced with rational thinking. He calls for a move away from baseless superstitions and advocates for a society guided by reason and logic.
How does Addison use satire in “Popular Superstitions”?
Addison uses satire to critique the superstitions prevalent in society. His language is simple yet effective, and he uses humor and irony to highlight the absurdity of the superstitions. He also uses vivid descriptions to bring the superstitious practices to life, making the essay engaging and thought-provoking.
What is the significance of the setting in “Popular Superstitions”?
The setting of the essay is an old friend’s house. This setting serves as a microcosm of the society at large, reflecting the widespread prevalence of superstitions. The detailed description of the setting and the behaviors of the people within it serve to highlight the absurdity of the superstitions and their impact on everyday life.
What is the impact of superstitions on the family in the essay?
Superstitions significantly influence the family’s everyday life. For instance, the lady of the house believes that dreams can bring good or bad luck. The family never initiates any new work on Childermas day, considering it to be inauspicious. They consider the spilling of salt as a bad omen, and if it happens at dinner, it spoils the mood of the entire family.
What does Addison aim to castigate through this essay?
Addison aims to castigate those vices and follies which are beyond the reach of law and the pulpit. His chief aim is social reform. Through this essay, Addison points out the folly of superstitious beliefs which poison our everyday life. He inspires a feeling that such follies must be abolished for the betterment of society.
What is the message of the essay?
The message of the essay is clear: superstitions are irrational and harmful, and they should be replaced with rational thinking. Addison calls for a move away from baseless superstitions and advocates for a society guided by reason and logic. He emphasizes the need for social reform and the abolition of such follies for the betterment of society.
What does Addison reflect in the essay?
Addison reflects his belief in the power of reason and rational thinking. Through this essay, he inspires a feeling that such follies must be abolished for the betterment of society. He advocates for reason and logic over blind faith in superstitions.
What does Addison use to bring the superstitious practices to life in the essay?
Addison uses vivid descriptions to bring the superstitious practices to life. His detailed description of the setting and the behaviors of the people within it serve to highlight the absurdity of the superstitions and their impact on everyday life.
What is the impact of Addison’s essay?
Addison’s essay has a significant impact as it encourages us to question our beliefs and strive for a rational and logical approach to life. His call for rational thinking and a move away from baseless superstitions remains relevant even today.
What does Addison show through the essay?
Addison shows how superstitions poison human life and create unnecessary fear and anxiety. He highlights the harmful influence of these irrational beliefs on the social atmosphere. Through his critique, he shows the need for a society guided by reason and logic.
Essay Type Questions
Write the critical appreciation of the Essay.
Joseph Addison, an acclaimed English essayist, poet, playwright, and politician, is the author of “Popular Superstitions”. This essay stands as a remarkable piece of social satire that critiques the irrational beliefs and practices prevalent in society. Addison’s keen observation of human behavior and his ability to present it in an engaging and thought-provoking manner are clearly reflected in this essay.
The essay begins with Addison visiting an old friend’s family. This family is deeply entrenched in superstitious beliefs, which significantly influence their everyday life. Every action they take, every decision they make, is dictated by these superstitions. Addison uses vivid descriptions to bring these superstitious practices to life, painting a clear picture of how these irrational beliefs affect the family’s daily life. This makes the essay not only engaging but also thought-provoking, as it forces the reader to question the rationality of such beliefs.
Addison’s use of satire is particularly noteworthy in this essay. He uses humor and irony to highlight the absurdity of the superstitions. His language, while simple, is highly effective in conveying his critique. The humor and irony serve to make the reader question the rationality of such beliefs, thereby driving home Addison’s critique of superstitions.
The essay also reflects Addison’s belief in the power of reason and rational thinking. He advocates for a society guided by reason and logic, rather than blind faith in superstitions. This message is particularly relevant in today’s world, where irrational beliefs and practices continue to influence people’s lives. Addison’s call for rational thinking and a move away from baseless superstitions is a timeless message that remains relevant even today.
In conclusion, “Popular Superstitions” is a timeless piece that encourages us to question our beliefs and strive for a rational and logical approach to life. It is a testament to Addison’s skill as a writer and his keen understanding of human nature. The essay is not just a critique of superstitions, but also a call for social reform and the abolition of follies for the betterment of society. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the impact of superstitions on society and the need for rational thinking. Through his sharp critique and insightful commentary, Addison inspires us to strive for a society guided by reason and logic, free from the shackles of irrational beliefs and practices. His essay serves as a reminder of the power of rational thinking and the importance of questioning our beliefs. It is a call to action for all of us to strive for a better, more rational society.
Write long note on Joseph Addison as Essayist.
Joseph Addison is celebrated as one of the most influential essayists in English literature. Born on May 1, 1672, in Milston, Wiltshire, England, Addison made significant contributions to literature as an essayist, poet, and dramatist.
Addison’s fame as an essayist began when he started contributing to Richard Steele’s ‘Tatler’. Later, he became a partner and contributed 274 essays out of a total of 555. His name is usually remembered alongside that of his long-standing friend Richard Steele, with whom he founded The Spectator magazine.
His essays are known for their clarity, elegance, and wit. His simple prose style marked the end of the mannerisms and conventional classical images of the 17th century. He had a unique ability to observe, analyze, and reflect upon the everyday life of the people, which he presented in his essays with a blend of humor, satire, and wisdom.
Addison’s essays covered a wide range of topics, reflecting his keen interest in politics, society, and culture. His writings were not just meant to entertain but also to educate the readers, promoting virtues like understanding, tolerance, and humanity.
One of the most significant aspects of Addison’s essays is his skillful use of satire. He used this literary tool to critique the follies and vices of society. His satirical essays, while being humorous and entertaining, also provoked thought and encouraged social reform.
In addition to his role as an essayist, Addison also held important posts in government while the Whigs were in power. His writing skill led to his holding important posts in government, including secretary of state.
In conclusion, Joseph Addison’s contributions as an essayist have left an indelible mark on English literature. His essays, characterized by their wit, elegance, and social commentary, continue to be read and admired for their insight and literary style. His work as an essayist has influenced generations of writers and continues to be relevant today.
