The History of Henry Esmond · Chapter
XI: The Famous Mr. Joseph Addison explained
Henry Esmond meets Joseph Addison through his friend Dick Steele, and the three discuss Addison's poem on the campaign of Blenheim.
What happens
Henry Esmond meets Joseph Addison through his friend Dick Steele, and the three discuss Addison's poem on the campaign of Blenheim. Esmond shares his firsthand account of the battle, and Addison reveals his poetic philosophy, emphasizing success as a divine quality in the Duke of Marlborough. The chapter also portrays Steele's warm, convivial nature and Addison's modest, scholarly lifestyle.
Themes in this chapter
War and Military Life
The chapter centers on the Battle of Blenheim, with Esmond recounting his experience and Addison composing a poem about the campaign.
Politics and Loyalty
Addison's poem serves as a political tribute to Marlborough and the Whig cause, reflecting the intersection of art and politics.
Honor and Sacrifice
Esmond questions the glorification of leaders while common soldiers are forgotten, highlighting the sacrifice of ordinary men in war.
Characters to notice
- Henry Esmond
Present at the meeting with Addison and Steele; shares his knowledge of the Battle of Blenheim and quotes Addison's Latin poetry.
- Richard Steele
Esmond's friend; enthusiastically introduces Esmond to Addison and praises Addison's poetry.
- Joseph Addison
The famous poet and essayist; hosts Esmond and Steele in his modest lodgings, discusses his poem on the campaign, and articulates his view of Marlborough's success.
- Duke of Marlborough
Discussed as the subject of Addison's poem; praised by Addison for his divine success and leadership at Blenheim.
- General Webb
Mentioned as Esmond's colonel who commanded a brigade at Blenheim; Addison laments lacking a rhyme for his name.
Key passages
“‘ O qui canoro blandius Orpheo vocale ducis carmen ;’ shall I go on, sir?”
Esmond quotes Addison's Latin poem, showing his scholarly appreciation.
Esmond demonstrates his education and admiration for Addison's work.
“In vengeance roused the soldier fills his hand With sword and fire, and ravages”
Addison's poem describes the brutal ravaging of the Elector's country.
Esmond reflects on the harsh realities of war that the poem sanitizes.
“One of the greatest of a great man’s qualities is success; ’tis the result of all the others; ’tis a latent power in him which compels the favor of the gods, and subjugates fortune.”
Addison argues that success is the supreme quality of a great leader like Marlborough.
This conversation inspires the famous lines in Addison's poem.