Interpretation of Alexander Pope's Work An of Man - Essay Example

He explains that man should have a sense of inner equilibrium, between how he views himself with respect to his surroundings. With this, man has to understand his purpose, as well as the universal order in which he is a part of. Only after understanding his purpose and the universal order around him can a man be truly contented. As Pope explains:The man was made perfect, based on the intended purpose that God created him for. Moreover, God gave man sufficient knowledge, based on the purpose that he was made for, and in relation to the surroundings that he will live in.

The author cautions that man should not overshoot his intended purpose. The man was made to be a man and was made perfectly for his intended purpose, with respect to the universal order, of which man is a part of. Therefore, any desire to deviate from man's intended purpose consequently inverts or subverts the universal order that exists:As Pope explains, aspiring to be like the Gods or like the Angels is deemed as a rebellion against the universal order that man should respect. Implicit in this argument is the possibility that man might go astray, away from his intended purpose, should he desire to become more than what he was created for.

Effects such as pride, tyranny, and corruption might signal the downfall of the man if he desires to become more than what he was created for.The stress that the author puts on the importance of understanding man's intended purpose suggests that it is not immediately easy for a man to know his purpose and stature with respect to the universal order. Man, therefore, has to go through a journey of questioning and self-discovery, to understand his true character and purpose. He must understand each positive attribute of his character, to know why he was given such.

Moreover, he must also understand each negative attribute of his character, not only to know why he was given such negative attributes, but also for him to overcome it. Pope explains his point further, through the following excerpt.