club is like another member. Each gentleman is remembered because Steele picks small but important features.
Balanced Good and Weakness: Steele never praises or blames too much. He shows both the good and the silly in each person. About Sir Roger, he says,
"He is rather beloved than esteemed."
This means Sir Roger is kind and liked by everyone. But he is not very grand or clever. Steele gives Sir Roger a warm heart and some funny habits. The reader can smile at Sir Roger's mistakes but still like him very much. Steele uses this method for every club member. Friends like Sir Andrew are practical but also a little strict. Mr. Spectator is wise but quiet and alone.
Used Different Social Groups: Every club member stands for a wider part of English society. Sir Roger is a country gentleman. Sir Andrew Freeport is a busy London merchant. Steele writes his famous line,
"A penny saved is a penny got."
This tells us that Mr. Freeport is careful with money. He loves trading, business, and profit. Captain Sentry represents the soldier's view. The Clergyman is the voice of faith, and Mr. Spectator stands for the quiet observer. Through these men, Steele shows different jobs and social classes.
Entertainment and Social Life: Steele adds much humour to the character Will Honeycomb. He is known for his love of fashion and talking with women. About Honeycomb, Steele writes,
"He is very ready at .... entertain women."
Honeycomb is clever, full of stories, but not so serious. He tries to impress every lady around him. Steele gently pokes fun at Honeycomb's way of life. This makes the club more lively and varied in mood. The club meetings are fun, with every man showing his own habits.
Realism and Simplicity: Steele makes each character speak and act naturally. The club members not only represent ideas but also feel real. Their speech is simple and fits their type. Steele uses real conversation, business advice, and funny remarks. He gives each man life through small stories and sayings. The essay is not only a list of names. Instead, every member seems real and believable. Steele never uses big words or makes them seem false. He wants readers to see real people from London and the countryside.
To conclude, Steele's art of characterization is simple and straightforward. He chooses short details and real habits for each member. Through "The Spectator's Club," Steele gave English literature some unforgettable, lifelike characters. This art helps the later novelists as well. His skill makes the club seem real and lively even today.
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