John Gay (1685–1732) was an English poet and playwright best known for The Beggar’s Opera, a sharp and satirical take on society and politics. He also wrote many fables that remain relevant for readers today. Let’s explore his life, his works, and five of his memorable fables.
A Brief Life Story
John Gay was born in Barnstaple, Devon, into a family of humble background. He attended the local free grammar school before being apprenticed to a silk merchant in London. However, his time in the trade was short-lived. After briefly returning to Devon, Gay moved back to London, where he began engaging in literary work and developing connections in the literary scene.
His early literary career gained traction through connections with other writers, such as Aaron Hill and Eustace Budgell. Gay contributed to The British Apollo, a popular question-and-answer journal of the time, and published a pamphlet, The Present State of Wit (1711), which reviewed contemporary periodicals. These efforts introduced Gay to London’s literary circles and paved the way for his later successes.
From 1712 to 1714, Gay worked as a steward for the Duchess of Monmouth, a position that gave him financial stability and the time to write. During this period, he published Rural Sports (1713), a descriptive poem reflecting on country life and themes of simplicity and retirement. His most famous poem, Trivia: The Art of Walking the Streets of London (1716), combined humor, satire, and vivid descriptions of urban life, solidifying his reputation as a skilled poet.
Gay’s friendships with respected and influential writers like Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift helped him refine his craft. They collaborated on several works, including satirical plays like The What D’ye Call It (1715). However, it was his groundbreaking play The Beggar’s Opera (1728) that brought him lasting fame. This play, a satirical take on crime, politics, and Italian opera, became a huge success, running for 62 performances—a record at the time.
Despite financial ups and downs, including a failed investment in South Sea stock, Gay left behind a substantial legacy. He passed away in 1732 and was buried in Westminster Abbey, near Geoffrey Chaucer.
Fables of John Gay
John Gay’s fables, published in two collections (1727 and 1738), are concise stories that often feature animals to illustrate moral lessons. These fables blend humor, satire, and wisdom. Here are five examples of his fables:
