ISAAC BICKERSTAFF PHYSICIAN AND ASTROLOGER

Isaac Bickerstaff' is a satirical work written via Richard Steele, an Irish author and co-founding father of the famed 18th-century periodical, 'The Spectator.' The work is a fictional character, a persona Steele adopted to satirize and comment on contemporary social and political problems. In 'Isaac Bickerstaff,' Steele uses wit and humor to lampoon numerous elements of London society, together with its manners, literature, and politics. The character of Bickerstaff serves as a satirical vehicle thru which Steele supplies astute observations and critiques, regularly taking over the persona of an astrologer predicting the future with humorous and exaggerated predictions. Notably, Steele’s use of the Bickerstaff personality become a part of a literary feud with some other cutting-edge author, Jonathan Swift. Both Steele and Swift hired fictional characters and funny narratives of their writings to mock and ridicule every other and the cultural and political happenings of the time. 'Isaac Bickerstaff' exemplifies Steele’s skill in using satire to address societal issues while wonderful readers. It stays a vast piece in the records of 18th-century English literature, showcasing the power of satire as a tool for social commentary and grievance.