Sir Richard Steele's contributions to early 18th-century periodicals like The Tatler, The Spectator, and The Guardian reveal his incisive storytelling and moralistic themes. Through the fictional narrators he crafted, Steele explored complex social issues such as marriage, gender roles, and parent-child dynamics. His works, co-created with Joseph Addison for some periodicals, blend humor and didacticism, aiming to entertain and instruct readers on the virtues of honesty and benevolence.

Fictional Narrators in Steele's Works

Steele's periodicals are characterized by their engaging fictional narrators, each bringing unique perspectives and storytelling styles. In The Tatler, the narrator, Isaac Bickerstaff, is an elderly astrologer whose humorous stories often draw on his personal experiences and observations, particularly focusing on his family dynamics. Bickerstaff's characterization creates a relatable figure who blends personal anecdotes with broader social commentary.

Meanwhile, The Spectator is led by Mr. Spectator, whose defining trait is his silent observation of human nature and foibles. This taciturn character serves as a master storyteller, providing insights into human behavior and societal norms. Finally, The Guardian is narrated by Nestor Ironside, a more overtly moralistic figure who advises the Lizard family and the British public. While The Guardian lacks the collaborative spark of Steele and Addison’s previous works, it maintains Steele's commitment to moral instruction.

Exploration of Marital Themes

Steele's writings frequently delve into issues surrounding marriage, advocating for respect and understanding between spouses. In The Tatler, Isaac Bickerstaff offers advice to his sister Jenny, whose marriage to Tranquillus is strained by her desire for dominance. While Steele's approach might seem conservative now, it was progressive for his time, promoting the idea that women should be treated as thoughtful individuals rather than possessions.

In The Spectator, Steele further explores marriage by addressing the societal pressures that often accompany it. He critiques the practice of parents choosing spouses for their children, emphasizing the importance of individual choice and mutual affection. Letters featured in the periodical highlight the struggles of young individuals against parental authority, illustrating Steele’s advocacy for personal agency in marriage.

Domestic Relationships and Social Critique

Alongside marital themes, Steele’s periodicals address broader domestic relationships and societal norms. In The Spectator, stories often focus on the complexities of parent-child dynamics and courtship, underscoring the importance of love and understanding over social convention and financial motives. Steele’s use of letters as a narrative device allows for the exploration of multiple perspectives, enriching the discourse on these themes.

A poignant example from The Spectator is the story of "Inkle and Yarico," which illustrates the risks of entering relationships based on self-interest rather than genuine affection. This tale warns of the potential heartache and betrayal inherent in such unions, encouraging readers to choose partners based on virtue and compatibility.

Political and Social Commentary

While primarily focused on personal relationships, Steele's works are not devoid of political undertones. In The Spectator, two club members, Sir Roger de Coverley and Sir Andrew Freeport, embody contrasting political ideologies. Their interactions and disagreements subtly reflect the tensions between Tories and Whigs, with Steele and Addison cleverly weaving political commentary into these character-driven narratives.

Steele’s political leanings are further visible in The Guardian, where he continues to promote Whig values through his storytelling. Although the tone can occasionally be stern, Steele’s tales consistently advocate for charity, benevolence, and compassion over authority and self-interest.

Steele's Moral Perspective

Central to Steele’s writing is his belief in morality informed by religious principles, which he first articulated in The Christian Hero . Steele argued that reason alone could not guide individuals towards virtue; rather, religious values must aid reason to...