Addison was basically an essayist and a journalist. His critical observations are found in many of his essays that appeared in the spectator. As a critic, therefore, his approach is not that of an established literary critic, but that of a popular observer and analyst of some literary works and literary genres. His observations were intended, no for the learned readers or the authors themselves, but for the common masses interested in literature as a pastime. His primary aim was to draw out 'philosophy out of closets and libraries, schools and colleges, to dwell in clubs and assemblies, at tea-tables and in coffee-houses".
His critical essays were meant 'for those who had yet their rudiments to learn, and found it not easy to understand their mater.' This gave a new turn to English criticism. Normally, the classical critics like Dryden, Pope and Dr. Johnson wrote their principles for different literary genres for the help and guidance of poets, dramatists and other authors. They sought to teach them how to enjoy and appreciate great literary works like The Paradise Lost. He enlightened the common reader and explained to him the intrinsic beauty and grandeur of a work which might otherwise have escaped his attention and appreciation. The important critical essays of Addison on popular topics are On True and False Wit, On the pleasure of Imagination, On Tragedy, and On Paradise Lost.
