What is the theme of Pope’s “An Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot”? [British Poetry (2018-19) Assignment 2]

Alexander Pope's "An Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot" is a satirical poem that deals with several themes, including Pope's personal grievances and attacks on his literary and personal enemies. The poem is addressed to his friend, John Arbuthnot, and is structured as a mock-epistle in which Pope expresses his thoughts and feelings in a conversational manner.

One of the major themes of the poem is the nature of literary criticism and the role of the poet in society. Pope defends his own style of writing, which is often criticized for being too artificial and contrived, and argues that poetry should be judged on its own terms, rather than by the standards of classical literature. He also laments the decline of literary standards in his own time, and bemoans the rise of lowbrow, sensationalist writing.

Another important theme of the poem is Pope's personal grievances and his attacks on his literary and personal enemies. He takes aim at several writers who have criticized his work, as well as social and political figures who have offended him. In particular, he attacks the literary critic John Dennis and the poet Colley Cibber, whom he portrays as uneducated and untalented hacks.

Throughout the poem, Pope expresses a sense of frustration and disillusionment with the literary and cultural world of his time. He sees himself as a lone voice of reason in a world dominated by mediocrity and vulgarity. At the same time, he celebrates the power of satire to expose and ridicule the follies and vices of his age.