Of Adversity
-
Francis Bacon
Introduction
Francis Bacon is called as the
father of English prose. He was the
first to write prose pieces in English, during Elizabethan period. He writes about common topics. He deals the topics in a straight forward
manner by using less number of words. Of
Adversity is one such essays, which is about the positive features of
adversity. Adversity means bad or
difficulty times.
Positivity of Adversity
Bacon opens the essay by quoting
Seneca, a Roman Philosopher, who has said that prosperity is always related to good
things, so it is often wished for.
Adversity should be admired and appreciated. He quotes another Latin saying which means,
things of victory are desired and adversity is wonderful. Through these quotes Bacon wants us to see
adversity in a positive way.
Miracles and Adversity
Miracles happen during
adversity. These miracles are created by
God, to save normal human beings. These
miracles prove our faith in God. Bacon
again quotes a Latin proverb, which says that greatness is in the man’s prayer
to God during the times of adversity.
When we accept that we are powerless, we are great before God.
Adversity through Poetry
Bacon says that these miracles
happen in poetry. The calamities and
adversities of our life are better explained through the imagination in
poetry. Bacon shares the story of
Hercules and Prometheus to explain this.
Prometheus was a brave man, who wanted to help human beings, but he was
punished by God. Hercules, who was
Prometheus’ friend, went to rescue him.
Hercules crossed an ocean in a very small vessel to save his
friend. This story in the form of poem
helps us to think of adversity in a positive way.
Adversity and Bible
Prosperity and adversity are gifts
of God. Prosperity brings moderation and
adversity brings courage. Prosperity is
the sign of Old Testament and adversity is the sign of New Testament. Bacon narrates the story of Job from
Bible. Job faces many difficulties or
adversities during his life, which has a happy and blessed ending. Bacon wants us to accept a life of
adversities, so that we become stronger and courageous.
Adversity compared with Embroidery
Bacon says that prosperity is not
always with joy and happiness. Adversity
is not always with sorrow and grief. He
explains this by comparing it with an embroidery. It is good to see a bright embroidery with a
dull background. If the background is
good and the embroidery is dull, it will not be attractive. We cannot complain the embroidery work. We should judge something by heart and not
with our eyes.
Conclusion
Bacon concludes the essay by saying
that the true smell of a flower will be experienced only when it is
crushed. Similarly, our true strength
and courage will be known to everyone only during the times of adversity.
No comments:
Post a Comment