Mark Akenside (1721–1770) was an influential 18th Century British poet known for his philosophical and reflective verse. His poetry was shaped by the intellectual movements of the time, particularly the Enlightenment. He combined classical influences with modern ideas, creating a unique poetic voice that was both elegant and profound. Akenside’s major work, The Pleasures of Imagination (1744), established his reputation and remains his most studied contribution to British poetry.
This article explores Akenside’s life, literary influences, poetic themes, and his place within 18th Century British poetry. Through an analysis of his major works, we will examine how his poetry reflects the changing intellectual and cultural landscape of Britain during his time.
Early Life and Education
Mark Akenside was born on November 9, 1721, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. He came from a modest background, the son of a butcher, but his intellectual talents allowed him to rise in British society. His early education took place at the Newcastle Royal Grammar School, where he developed an interest in classical literature. He later studied theology at the University of Edinburgh but soon changed his focus to medicine, eventually earning his medical degree.
Although Akenside pursued a career as a physician, poetry was his true passion. His education in medicine did not hinder his literary ambitions; rather, it influenced his poetic vision. His medical knowledge gave him a deep understanding of human nature, which he incorporated into his poetry. His early exposure to Enlightenment thought also played a significant role in shaping his intellectual and poetic outlook.
The Influence of Classical and Enlightenment Thought
Akenside’s poetry reflects the influence of both classical literature and Enlightenment philosophy. He admired Greek and Roman poets such as Virgil, Horace, and Lucretius, whose works emphasized reason, morality, and the beauty of nature. These themes became central to his own poetry.
The Enlightenment, a movement that emphasized reason, science, and progress, also left a strong mark on Akenside’s work. British poetry in the 18th century was increasingly shaped by Enlightenment ideals, and Akenside was part of this literary evolution. He sought to explore human emotions and intellectual pursuits in a rational, structured manner. His poetry was not just about aesthetic beauty but also about the philosophical contemplation of life, knowledge, and artistic creation.
The Pleasures of Imagination and its Impact
Akenside’s most famous work, The Pleasures of Imagination, was first published in 1744 when he was just twenty-three years old. This ambitious poem, written in blank verse, explores the role of imagination in human experience. It was influenced by the works of John Locke and Joseph Addison, who had previously examined the nature of imagination in their philosophical writings.
The poem is divided into several sections, each analyzing different aspects of imagination. Akenside argues that imagination is essential to artistic creation, moral development, and intellectual enlightenment. He suggests that through imagination, humans can attain a deeper understanding of beauty, nature, and even divine truth.
The Pleasures of Imagination was well received upon its publication, and it secured Akenside’s place in the literary world. Many contemporary critics praised its intellectual depth and poetic elegance. However, some found it too philosophical and lacking in emotional warmth. Despite these criticisms, the poem remained an important work in 18th Century British poetry and influenced later poets, including William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Themes in Akenside’s Poetry
1. The Power of Imagination
One of Akenside’s central themes is the power of imagination to elevate the human spirit. He believed that imagination was not just a tool for artistic creation but also a means of achieving wisdom and moral insight. His poetry often explores how imagination allows individuals to transcend their everyday experiences and perceive a higher truth.
2. Nature and Beauty
Like many British poets of the 18th century, Akenside was deeply influenced by the beauty of nature. He saw nature as a source of inspiration and a reflection of divine order. His descriptions of landscapes, skies, and rivers are infused with a sense of wonder and admiration. He believed that through contemplation of nature, people could develop a greater appreciation for both art and philosophy.
3. Moral and Intellectual Growth
Akenside’s poetry is rich with discussions on moral philosophy. He believed that poetry should serve an educational purpose, guiding readers toward intellectual and ethical improvement. His works often reflect on the importance of knowledge, virtue, and self-reflection. In The Pleasures of Imagination, he suggests that true happiness comes not from material wealth or physical pleasure but from intellectual and moral enlightenment.
Akenside’s Place in 18th Century British Poetry
Mark Akenside occupies an important place in 18th Century British poetry, though he is sometimes overshadowed by his more famous contemporaries, such as Alexander Pope and Thomas Gray. Unlike Pope, who was known for his sharp wit and satirical verse, Akenside focused more on philosophical and reflective poetry. His style was more abstract, and his themes were often intellectual rather than personal.
Akenside’s influence extended beyond his own time. His emphasis on imagination and nature foreshadowed the Romantic movement, which emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Poets such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge later built upon many of Akenside’s ideas, particularly his belief in the transformative power of imagination.
Although he was not as widely read as some of his contemporaries, Akenside’s contributions to British poetry were significant. His work represents an important transition between the rationalism of the early 18th century and the emotional intensity of the Romantic era.
Later Years and Legacy
After the success of The Pleasures of Imagination, Akenside continued to write poetry, though he never achieved the same level of fame again. He also pursued a successful career as a physician, eventually becoming a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. Despite his medical achievements, he remained dedicated to literature throughout his life.
He revised The Pleasures of Imagination extensively, producing a new version that was published posthumously. This revised edition reflected his evolving views on poetry and philosophy, demonstrating his continuous intellectual growth.
Akenside died in 1770 at the age of forty-eight. Although his reputation declined in the 19th century, scholars and literary critics have continued to recognize his importance in the history of British poetry. His work remains an example of how poetry can bridge the gap between art and philosophy, combining aesthetic beauty with intellectual depth.
Conclusion
Mark Akenside was a distinguished 18th Century British poet whose work reflected the intellectual and cultural currents of his time. His poetry, particularly The Pleasures of Imagination, explored themes of imagination, nature, and moral growth, aligning with both classical influences and Enlightenment ideals. While he may not be as widely known today as some of his contemporaries, his contributions to British poetry were significant, helping to shape the literary landscape of the 18th century.
Through his fusion of philosophical inquiry and poetic expression, Akenside created a body of work that continues to be studied and appreciated. His legacy lies in his ability to merge reason and imagination, demonstrating the power of poetry to elevate the mind and soul.
