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A Satirical Reflection In Joseph Addison's 'The Spectator'

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Joseph Addison utilizes a passage from his work, The Spectator, to provide a satirical perspective on the downfalls of society and the citizens that live within. The diarist in the passage lives a lack luster lifestyle that leaves him desensitized to the happenings of the world around him. Not only is he unknowing when it comes to the realities of the world, society upholds his way of life by shifting the focus of citizens to insignificant incidents. The underlying satirical purpose behind the work is to demonstrate the true ignorance surrounding people that is caused by a mundane and selfish society. Addison utilizes a monotonous tone, repetition, and allusions to highlight the downfalls of society that negatively impact citizens, such as the diarist who becomes desensitized to the outside world. Immediately demonstrated in the very first entry into the diary is the monotonous tone that continues flawlessly throughout the rest of the passage. The monotonous tone contributes greatly to the characterization of the diarist; “I put on my clothes and walked into the parlor” (Addison 1-2). Addison’s use of this mechanical tone shows the desensitized character of the diarist. The diarist, whose name we never learn is a symbol for all people in society; we live in a world as an unknown entity and simply follow the rules and guidelines set before us rarely without question. Addison’s purpose in writing this work is to bring to light the downfalls that society places on citizens

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