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Summary of “Of Adversity” By Francis Bacon

Of Adversity is an essay written by Famous English writer, Francis Bacon. The essay was originally published in 1625. The essay “Of Adversity” explores the theme of importance of Adversity in human life despite its suffering.

OF ADVERSITY SUMMARY BY FRANCIS BACON
Summary of "Of Adversity" By Francis Bacon
OF ADVERSITY BY FRANCIS BACON

Summary of “Of Adversity” By Francis Bacon

In essay, Bacon compares Adversity with prosperity and put his arguments in favor of Adversity. The story of essay begins with the statement of Roman philosopher, Seneca, “Good things of adversity are to be admired, while the good things of prosperity are to be wished”.

There is saying in Latin,”Bona Rerum Secundarum Optabilia Adversarum Mirabilia” which means “Goods of Success are desirable opposing wonderful”. Bacon says, we all should look adversity in a positive way. Human being should treat pain and happiness with one mindset. The writer says, most of the miracle happens at the time of adversity.

We should have faith on god, adversity and prosperity are in God’s hand so we should have faith on him that whatever he would do, he will do for the good of us.

The writer feature second saying of Latin which is “Vere Magnum Habere Fragilitatem Hominis, Securitatem Dei” which means “It is truly great to have the frailty of a man, and the security of a God”. The poets use miracles in their poetry for charm and any man can find a miracle in poetry easily.

Adversity is a part of life no one can escape it and the disaster which brings adversity keep us away from imagination because due to imagination we start to forget the reality of adversity. Despite adversity, we use imagination and some people use poetry to express their imagination.

Thereafter, Bacon tells a story of “Prometheus” who was Titan of Greek mythology. Prometheus was very powerful and big in size. He was kind to humans and used to give gift of fire to them as he was god of fire. One day, Hera, a queen of Gods and goddess of marriage steals eternal torch of Prometheus.

It affect human race very badly and Prometheus became powerless. As Prometheus lost his eternal torch, he freeze in his home. Afterwards, Hercules find Prometheus and return his torch to him. Bacon wrote this incident of Greek mythology in his essay so that he could explain us stoicism.

Bacon says, adversity and prosperity comes in everyone’s life so we should act with patience at the time of prosperity and adversity. According to moral, doing this is a heroic act. Adversity and Prosperity are a gift of God. Prosperity is a blessing of old testament and Adversity is a blessing of new testament.

It is not necessary that prosperity is always filled with joy and adversity with sorrow and pain.

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