A Full Enquiry into the Nature of the Pastoral (1717)

"A Full Enquiry into the Nature of the Pastoral" by Thomas Purney is a critical exploration of pastoral poetry from the 18th century that starts by describing a shepherd name Cubbin being approached by Sophy. The essay explores the true essence of pastoral verse and critiques the current poetic methods of the period. The narrative emphasizes the need for sincere emotion and simplicity in pastoral poetry to connect with readers, while critiquing modern poetic behaviors. Sophy provides ideas on creating pastoral poetry that captures human experiences with thoughtful insight. The goal is to elevate the form by delving into its capacity for greater emotional impact and moral depth.