Sir Francis Bacon OF REGIMENT OF HEALTH Sir

Sir Francis Bacon OF REGIMENT OF HEALTH

Sir Francis Bacon � 1521 – 1626 � Bacon introduced the first English essays in 1597 when he published his collection � Bacon believed that knowledge is in constant change — we must always be looking for opportunities to grow mentally

His Life � Bacon was a lawyer, statesman, essayist, historian, intellectual giant, and philosopher � He was born into aristocracy and studied at Cambridge; he became a lawyer � Convicted of accepting bribes, although the sentence was revoked four days later � He left the government and returned to private life

� By 1625 he had published over 50 essays filled with humor and wisdom � Bacon believed that one must never become stagnant and did everything he could to continue learning and growing � He died because he caught severe bronchitis: he was studying the effect of cold temperatures on decaying meat (refrigeration)

His Work � Each sentence in the essay is an aphorism – designed to get your attention and imprint on your memory

Literary Terms �Essay - A brief explanation of a subject in prose, usually expressing a personal or limited view of the topic �Aphorism - a brief statement, often witty, that expresses a principle, truth, or observation about life

Class Work � Read essay; annotate together in class � Complete Literary Critique, page 239, #s 1 -5 � Complete Writing Workshop, page 240