Back to: Literary Movements in English Literature
Table of Contents
Introduction:
The Kit Kat Club, sometimes referred to as Kit Cat Club, was one that emerged in 18th-century London. It was popular in England at that time and was significant to the history of English Literature.
Characteristics of the Kit Kat Club:
Gatherings:
Kit Kat Club was characterised by the social and public gatherings of intellectual men. They indulged in discussions about the social and political conditions of that time and carried lively debates over art and literature.
Members:
Such meetings also allowed for the connection of great minds of various platforms– artists, politicians, writers, elite classes, and aristocrats.
Literary Career:
It also helped several writers establish or strengthen their literary careers. Their works again resulted in the creation of quality art using wit, humour, and satire.
The Kit Kat Club Major Poets List and Their Important Works:
Joseph Addison and Richard Steele:
Addison and Steele were close friends and prominent members of the Kit Kat Club. Although they have separately too penned several prolific essays, their most noted work is their collaboration for their magazine “The Spectator”, which displayed all the above-mentioned elements and gained much popularity.
Jonathan Swift:
Swift again was a notable member and known for his extensive social commentary. Apart from his essays, his magnum opus “Gulliver’s Travels” attained a wide reception.
Alexander Pope:
Pope was yet another eminent member whose fame and wit were well known. This can especially be seen in his mock epic “The Rape of the Lock” as it satirises society. His other famous well-known work would be “The Dunciad”.
Conclusion:
The Kit Kat Club was thus crucial for the development and spread of intellect– it was important for the growth of art and literature.
