INTRODUCTION

The beginning of the eighteenth century saw the prolific production of the prolific production of a
number of periodicals. Among the figures that stand out in the history of the periodical essays are
Richard Steele and Joseph Addison. Steele developed the recent essay format in his Tattler. In
collaboration with Addison, he launched the spectator. Although the Tattler aimed to present stories of
gallantry entertainment and news items they were soon suggesting views about decorum and test and
prescribing ideal positions for men and women. Certain aspects of contemporary society were critique
gambling, coquetry, rakish manners and scandals were not approved. Although Steele wrote for the
content of the one ninety issues but it was Addison who provided many of the insights. Addison
invented the Spectator Club and some of the imaginary character such as sir Andrew Freeport, captain
centre, Will Honeycomb and Sir roger de coverly. This character represents various sections of
contemporary society.

Whig and Tory:-

The terms Whig and Tory emerged as political party labels during the restoration and Eighteenth
century. As political party labels the terms derived from the Exclusion conflict the Whigs are the
supporter of the exclusion of the catholic James , duke of York and Torries being their Royalist
opponents. By the extension, then, the Whigs were seen as asserting the primacy of parliament over the
monarchy and Torries were asserting the inverse. However after the 1688 and 1699 Whigs become the
supporter of Status Quo and Torries were the political malcontents.

Addison overview:-

Heading the least of characters introducing in the spectator was a gentleman of

Worcestershire, an ancient, descent, a baronet of his name sir roger de coverly. Addison begins his
essay mischief of party spirit by way of recalling an incident that happened to sir roger to demonstrate
the malice of party spirit. It is important to note here that Addison is not commenting on or before one
political fiction since sir Rogers character had become a loveable representative of the tory landowning
class.

Addison and essays:-

As an essayist, Addison professed doctrine was to improve the morals and mores of his society.
Social criticism is by and large the core of his essays. In his essays, Addison focuses on the flames and
depravities of his fellowman and pointed out how these lacunae could be overcome. He with Chaucerian
view laughed good humorously at the foibles specifically related to social manners and social health. In
his essay Mischief of party spirit, Addison focuses on the evils that are escalated in society through a
zealous adherence to a narrow and parochial party interest, as practised by political personages.