An Essay on Criticism (1711) is a didactic poem by Alexander Pope that offers guidance on literary criticism and taste. Written in heroic couplets, it combines classical wisdom with sharp wit, advising critics and writers to balance judgment, humility, and creativity. The poem is famous for lines like "To err is human, to forgive, divine."
Alexander Pope (1688-1744) was one of the greatest English poets of the 18th century. Known for his mastery of verse, satirical brilliance, and moral insight, his major works include The Rape of the Lock, The Dunciad, and his translations of Homer. Pope remains a central figure in neoclassical literature and poetic criticism.