Aphoristic Style in Bacon’s Essays

An aphoristic style in an essay means using short, concise

statements to convey big ideas or truths. Francis Bacon's
Essays are celebrated for their distinctive aphoristic style.
Before Bacon, prose writing tended to be more elaborate and
serious, with long sentences and complex language i.e. Latin
words, far-fetched similes and remote metaphors. These
were difficult for the readers. Bacon, however, brought about
a shift with his terse style, which means he used short, direct
sentences that get right to the heart of the matter.
Bacon evolved a prose style that proved for the first time that
English could also be used to express the subtleties of
thought, in clear and non-complex sentences. Bacon wrote in
more than one style. It is true that there is a vast difference
between the styles of Bacon. In his early essays, another
style called Didacticism is evident, a style where the writer
teaches moral or intellectual lessons through literature or
writing. His latter essays were jotted down in a terse and
pithy language – which is the aphoristic style. On a related
note, Bacon described his essays as Dispersed Meditations.
It would, however, be a mistake to call all his essays
Dispersed Meditations.
Bacon’s essays are packed with aphorisms. In Bacon we find
a style which is distinct and at the same time reflects his time
period. Francis Bacon stands the most quotable writer.
Phrases like "Knowledge is power" and "Revenge is a wild
justice" exemplify his aphoristic style, where one single
sentence does the work of a paragraph.
In conclusion, Francis Bacon emerges not only as a
philosopher and statesman but also as a rhetorician and a
highly quotable writer. His aphoristic style in the essays
continues to resonate with readers, inviting them to explore
the deeper meanings behind his terse and crisp words.
 Gulliver’s Travels:
Attack on Science & Technology
"Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift, penned in the 18th
century (1726), is a gem of satire. It tells the adventurous story
of Lemuel Gulliver, a ship's surgeon, who visits strange lands.
In Book III, Swift criticizes how science was done in his time. He
talks about Laputa, a floating island, and Balnibarbi, a land
below Laputa. In Laputa, Gulliver sees absurd scientific
experiments. In Balnibarbi, he finds a society suffering because
of useless science. Swift uses these fantastical lands to
criticize his thoughts about science and how it affects society.
In Laputa, Swift describes a society where science is
disconnected from real life. The people there care only about
theories and experiments, divorced from human concerns. For
example, Gulliver encounters scholars who are so absorbed in
their theoretical studies that they neglect basic human needs,
such as conversation and companionship. This reflects Swift's
criticism of groups like the Royal Society. Even genius scientists
like Isaac Newton were criticized for focusing on things that
didn't matter much, such as alchemy and biblical prophecy. The
dangers of detached intellectualism are also highlighted here.
In Balnibarbi, Swift shows what happens when science isn't
practical. The island is full of failed inventions and broken
things. For example, they tried to get energy from sunlight but
ended up blocking all the light, leaving the island in darkness.
Through satire, Swift here critiques the scientists who chase
after grand ideas without considering their practicality or
impact on society.
"Gulliver's Travels" is a strong criticism of scientific practices in
Swift's time, maintaining its relevance today. Laputa and
Balnibarbi show the problems of scientific implications without
real-world thinking. Swift's critiques and satire about scientists
like Isaac Newton and groups like the Royal Society is a
timeless reminder of the importance of applying scientific
inquiry to address real-world problems and improve society.
 Jonathan Swift as a Misanthrope
“I hate and detest that animal called man…”
- Jonathan Swift
Jonathan Swift, the acclaimed author of Gulliver's
Travels, is often given the label of "misanthrope" for his
sharp satirical works. For instance, Swift’s Gulliver’s
Travels is a universal satire of the mankind as a whole.
His portrayal of various societies and characters in
Gulliver’s Travels reflects his dissatisfaction towards
humanity. Throughout the novel, Swift illustrates a harsh
picture of human behaviour and society's shortcomings
and is often criticized for that in the name of cynicism.
In Book I of "Gulliver's Travels," Swift criticizes the
pettiness and absurdity of human politics through
Gulliver's encounters in Lilliput. Their cheapness of court
conspiracy and power struggles highlight Swift's disdain
for human arrogance and ambition. This is actually
directed to political circumstances and corruption of the
then England.
Book II takes Gulliver to Brobdingnag, where he
encounters giants who expose the physical and moral
flaws of humanity. Here, Swift emphasizes the disgusting
aspects of human behaviour and appearance, urging
readers to confront the ugly side of human nature. It also
casts light on the abuse of power.
In Book III, Swift transports Gulliver to Laputa, a floating
island inhabited by intellectuals obsessed with
impractical experiments and abstract theories. Through
his portrayal of the Laputans, Swift satirizes detached
intellectualism and the disconnection between
theoretical knowledge and practical wisdom.
In Book IV, Swift’s alleged misanthropy reaches its
peak/crescendo. Book 4 brings Gulliver to the land of the
Houyhnhnms and the Yahoos, where rational and
philosophical horses govern society with friendship and
benevolence, while the barbaric Yahoos represent the
worst aspects of humanity. Through the contrast
between these two species, Swift underscores his
misanthropic views, portraying humans as naturally
irrational and corrupt beings. The theme of Gulliver’s
hatred of mankind is climaxed when he told he would
rather die than live among his own race of Yahoos.
In conclusion, Gulliver's Travels undeniably employs
sharp satire to expose human flaws but to label Swift as
a misanthrope based solely on these portrayals ignores
the story’s versatile nature. Satire thrives on
exaggeration, and Swift targets specific societal ills, not
humanity as a whole. His ultimate aim is not
condemnation but provocation, urging readers to reflect
on their own world and work towards a better future.
 Bacon as an Essayist
Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) is the father of the modern
essay. He organized knowledge into three groups: History,
Poetry, and Philosophy. His essays were published in three
editions, fifty-eight being the latest number.
Bacon identified his essays as Dispersed Meditations or
detached thoughts. He was schooled under the influence of
Machiavelli. Utilitarianism is obvious in his essays. He
borrowed the form of essay form Montaigne, the French
essayist. Though the share form, Montaigne is personal,
familiar and prolific whereas Bacon is formal, impersonal
and to-the-point.
Bacon’s essays are capsules of impersonal wisdom. They are
written in a logical and systematic way, approaching subjects
from different perspectives, comparing them, writing them in
clear and concise prose often using aphorisms. The themes
of his essays are various. He covered topics such as truth,
love, death, marriage, education, religion, child-rearing,
health, and good-evil.
Bacon used a unique style. It is called aphoristic. It is
important for clarity, precision, directness etc. His essays
seem like a collection of short and pithy maxim with
tremendous compression. Each sentence can convey a deep
meaning that of the size of a paragraph or even more. In his
early essays, the sentences are short, crisp and compact.
There are few connectives and allusions in his essays. For all
that, Francis Bacon is arguably the most quotable writer.
In conclusion, Francis Bacon's essays shaped the essay
genre, showing that even the most profound thoughts can be
expressed in a clear, concise manner. His way of writing
became the blueprint for future essayists. Centuries later,
readers still find inspiration in his writings, appreciating their
timeless relevance and practical focus.
 Short 1 – Bacon: Themes
Sir Francis Bacon organized knowledge into three groups:
History, Poetry, and Philosophy. Bacon’s essays are capsules
of impersonal wisdom. The themes of his essays are various.
Bacon's early reflections was on subjects such as friendship,
studies, and wisdom. Through time, Bacon's growth as a
thinker offered him deeper insights into human nature and
society. Finally at his peak, he covered topics such as truth,
love, death, marriage, education, religion, child-rearing,
health, and good-evil. Bacon’s ‘of studies’, ‘of marriage &
single life’, ‘of adversity’ etc. can be examples of his themes’
versatility. His themes were so random that he called his own
essays Dispersed Meditation or detached thought; whereas
he was always pithy and concise to whatever theme he
explored and expressed throughout his journey.

Short 2 – Houyhnhnms & Yahoos

In Book IV of Swift's Gulliver's Travels, two contrasting
societies paint a complex picture of humanity. The
Houyhnhnms, intelligent & philosophical horses known for
their rationality and order, and the Yahoos, heinous
humanoids driven by base instincts.
Houyhnhnms: Representing reason and logic, these
creatures govern with stoic calmness, devoid of passion or
prejudice. The know neither love nor grief nor lust nor
ambition for they face these phenomena with stoical calm.
Their basic virtues are Friendship & Benevolence. They are
the perfection of nature.
Yahoos: Representing humanity's basest instincts, these ugly,
despicable human-like creatures symbolize filth, violence,
and insatiable desires. While exaggerated for satirical effect,
their resemblance to humans, challenge us to confront the
potential darkness within ourselves.
 Short 3 – Bacon’s Essays: Three Editions
Bacon's Essays underwent evolution through three editions
published during his life. 1597, 1612 & 1725.
The first edition, published in 1597, contained just ten essays,
reflecting Bacon's early reflections on various subjects such
as friendship, studies, and wisdom.
The second edition, published in 1612, expanded to 38 essays,
including new topics and revised content. It showcased
Bacon's growth as a thinker and writer, offering deeper
insights into human nature and society.
The final edition, published in 1625, expanded further to 58
essays, covering a wide range of topics (death, truth,
marriage, good and evil etc.) with more maturity and depth.
Bacon's Essays, through these three editions, demonstrate
his intellectual development and contributions to English
literature and philosophy.
 Short 4 – Swift as a Misanthrope
“I hate and detest that animal called man…”
- Jonathan Swift
Jonathan Swift, the acclaimed author of Gulliver's Travels, is
often given the label of "misanthrope" for his sharp satirical
works. For instance, Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels is a universal
satire of the mankind. His portrayal of various societies and
characters in Gulliver’s Travels reflects his dissatisfaction
towards humanity. Throughout the novel, Swift illustrates a
harsh picture of human behaviour and society's
shortcomings and is often criticized for that in the name of
cynicism.
On the other hand, although Gulliver's Travels undeniably
employs sharp satire to expose human flaws but to label
Swift as a misanthrope based solely on these portrayals
ignores the story’s versatile nature. Satire thrives on
exaggeration, and Swift targets specific societal ills, not
humanity as a whole. His ultimate aim is not condemnation
but provocation, urging readers to reflect on their own world
and work towards a better future