Class 12 Optional English Note || Summary of Sir Roger at the Assizes by Joseph Addison

Summary of Sir Roger at the Assizes by Joseph Addison

Summary of the Essay

'Sir Roger at the Assizes' is a satirical essay by Joseph Addison that tells the story of Sir Roger, an old knight who is highly respected in society despite his flaws. The essay begins by stating that we all seek validation from society to feel at peace.

The narrator describes a journey to court with Sir Roger, who is a kind and gentle person. Two men, Yeoman and Tom Touchy, join them on the way. Sir Roger shares his opinions of the two men, with Yeoman being seen as an honest man who hunts for his dinner and Tom Touchy as an immoral man who takes legal action against everyone for petty reasons. When they arrive at court, Sir Roger gives a short and insignificant speech to impress others.

On the way back, they stop at an inn where Sir Roger's former servant has hung a painting of him on a signpost. Sir Roger finds it disrespectful and orders the painter to change it to look like a frowning Saracen. However, the painting still resembles Sir Roger, and when he asks the narrator if it looks like him or a Saracen, the narrator diplomatically replies that much might be said on both sides.

The essay satirizes society's obsession with validation and respectability, even at the cost of honesty and morality.

Exploring the text

1. What kind of text is it? What does it talk about?

The text is a satirical essay and it talks about Sir Roger, a kind and benevolent man, and his journey to the court with his companions.

2. What is a greater satisfaction to an honest mind? How can it be achieved?

Doing what is right is a greater satisfaction to an honest mind than anything else. It can be achieved by living a virtuous and principled life.

3. When is a man more sure of his conduct?

A man is more sure of his conduct when he acts according to his principles and does what is right.

4. When did Sir Roger acquaint the narrator with characters? Describe the situation.

Sir Roger acquainted the narrator with Yeoman and Tom Touchy while they were on their journey to the court. He described their personalities and gave his opinions about them.

5. Describe Yeoman as the author depicts in the text.

Yeoman is depicted as an honest man who had permission to hunt and would kill hares, peasants, and partridges for his dinner. Sir Roger did not think he was a good neighbor because of his hunting practices.

6. How does the author portray Tom Touchy? Why did he plague a couple of honest gentlemen?

Tom Touchy is portrayed as an immoral and dishonest man who would take legal actions against people even for minor matters and bother everyone. He once accused two honest men of trespassing and breaking the hedge, which led to a lengthy legal process that cost him his land.

7. How does the author present Sir Roger? What kind of man is he?

Sir Roger is depicted as a man of high moral standards who tries to be fair and just in his dealings with others. He is also shown to be a person who values honesty and sincerity, and he has a great deal of compassion for those who are less fortunate than him.

8. What accident did the author meet in his return home? Explain.

On their return home, the author and his companions stopped at an inn where the owner had hung a painting of Sir Roger as a sign of respect. Sir Roger found it disrespectful because it was too much of a compliment, so he ordered the painter to change the painting to look like a frowning Saracen.

9. What is the main point Addison has made in the essay?

The main point Addison makes in the essay is that living a virtuous and principled life is important, and a person should always do what is right, even if it means going against the norm or the majority. Sir Roger is an example of a person who lives by his principles and is respected and loved by his community.

10. What does the phrase 'much might be said on both sides' mean?

The phrase 'much might be said on both sides' is used by both Sir Roger and the narrator to avoid taking sides in a dispute or argument. It suggests that there are valid points to be made on both sides of the argument, and it is not their place to take a definitive stance. It can be seen as a diplomatic way of avoiding conflict or offending someone with an opposing view. In the context of the essay, the phrase highlights the importance of civility and politeness in society, especially in situations where there are differences of opinion.