Belonging to the sixteenth century which was essentially ‘The
Age of Renaissance’, Francis Bacon wrote for the aspiring class – people who
went out of their limited social codes, hegemonic concepts of social structures
and power structures. His essays portray how young men can derive maximum
benefits from the utilitarian subjects which he took up, be it ‘Of Travaile’, ‘Of
Studies’, ‘Of Ambition’, ‘Of Envy’, ‘Of Truth’, ‘Of Beauty’, ‘Of Unity in
Religion’, etc.
Bacon speaks about brevity as well as enhancing a man’s
profitability out of a certain endeavour. This is evident in his essay ‘Of
Studies’, “Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an
exact man.” In his Dedication to the 1612 edition of ‘ESSAYS’, Bacon wrote that
he meant his essays to be like “graynes of salte” which would rather give the
readers “an appetite” than offend them “with satiety”. The precise and dramatic
manner in which Francis Bacon presents a fact carries with it the weight of universal
truth, sounding like a proverb. For instance, “a man that hath no virtue in
himself, even envieth virtue in others.” (-Of Envy)
Pithy, precise and sharp, hallmarks of Bacon’s prose style
are directness of approach, brevity and economy of expression. For Bacon, “the
farthest end of knowledge” was not theoretical knowledge, he considered
learning ought to be profitable to enlarge man’s control over his environment. His
essays are nothing but 'counsels, civil and moral' intended to guide the
readers. The essays reveal his deep understanding of human nature, a keen
interesting in every subject and sharp observation.
Possessing the Renaissance practical spirit, Francis Bacon’s
essays are similar to Horace’s assessment of poetry, serving the dual purpose
of delight and instruction. In his essay ‘Of Revenge’, Bacon rightly points out
that no man does a wrong except to desire a pleasure or profit out of it.
Moreover, they are keen that “when they take revenge are desirous that the
party should know whence it cometh.” Thus, even in an essay dealing with the
instinctive desire for revenge, Bacon provides a highly intellectual treatment.
The tone of Bacon’s essays is one of calculating common
sense, which prefers what is reasonable to what is generous. According to him,
love is a source of trouble and ruin in this world, and is more fit for the
theatre. He regards love as the “child of folly” which should not be allowed to
interfere with the serious matters of life. He even goes on to say, “Nuptial
love maketh mankind, friendly love perfecteth it, but wanton love corrupteth
and embaseth it.” (-Of Love)
An examination of Bacon’s attitude to religion leads to the
conclusion that he desired unity and advocated tolerance of all religions, as
is clear from his part in the Marprelate controversy as well as in his essay, ‘Of
Unity in Religion’. Bacon never preaches gospels through his essays: he
describes what men do in actual life situations and not what they ought to do. “No
action”, he says, “is good or bad per se.” His sole intention is to the modify human behaviour through his writings.
Francis Bacon’s essays are to be “chewed and digested” and
not to be read by deputy. His inexhaustible catalogue of simile, metaphors and
analogies are drawn from various sources- the Latin Vulgate, astronomy, natural
sciences, history, geography, even gardening and domestic life. Bacon’s grave
authorial voice is one of a serious counsellor. He doesn’t amuse us, he makes
us think. Reading his essays is a cerebral exercise and requires the highest
intellectual attention.
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