Alexander Pope attempted to explain what it means to be human and how he should behave. His writing was done in a grand scale, similar in extent to the works of great writers who came before him. In order to correctly interpret and appreciate his masterpiece it would be helpful to know more about the author and the historical context of this particular work of literature. However, another way to interpret and appreciate this masterwork is through a formalistic approach. In this type of literary criticism, the critique is limited by the text itself and must only focus on the intrinsic meaning. This technique does not concern with social theories that could have influenced the author like Marxism, liberalism, and feminism. Thus, the formalist criticism of Pope’s work can be accomplished through the close reading of the text with an eye towards the use of rhetorical devices. Form and Style In the beginning, the author clarified the purpose of his work. He wanted to understand God, the world, and man. Thus, he said “through worlds not numbered though the God be known, it is ours to trace him only in our own” (Pope, p.7). Thus, it must also be pointed out that the author’s main tool is the power of observation. It is important to highlight the fact that the author did not use prose to convey his thoughts. It can be argued that he can write a treatise using prose because of his skill as a writer, piece, however, he chose poetry. One can argue that the author finds this method more effective and can provide a better platform for the expression of his ideas. The theme that immediately jumps out of the pages is one of confusion but not of despair. The author is hopeful that there is a solution to his dilemma. But before going any further it is important to look at how the author uses words to prove his claim. The first thing that has to be recognized is the mastery of the heroic couplet. There can be a more technical explanation of how a heroic couplet should be used and its intended effect. But in the case of Pope’s work, its main attribute is the capability to deliver a message that is pleasant to the ear but at the same time helps the reader to retain the essence of the message. The other laudable feature of his poetry is the presence of rhyming words that were placed there not only for the sake of creating a rhyme. These words were carefully chosen not only to provide a beautiful external form for readers to enjoy, but also as a way to enforce the message. It can be comparable to an architect who values both form and function. One of the best examples can be seen in the second epistle where Pope writes:   * Know then thyself, presume not God to scan,   * The proper study of mankind is man.   * Placed on this isthmus of a middle state,   * A being darkly wise, and rudely great:   * With too much knowledge for the septic side,   * With too much weakness for the Stoic’s pride (Pope, p.12). Ever couplet is an idea that can stand alone. Each couplet is like a cell that can sustain itself. It was designed to impart certain knowledge and at the same time a particular assertion regarding man, God or the world. In this case the author succeeded in not only expressing what he believes are God’s attributes and man’s behavior tendencies, but also in illustrating man’s mistaken notion about God. But aside fro