The Christian Hero

tract by Steele

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June 24, 2026

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"The Christian Hero" was a moralistic tract written by Sir Richard Steele in 1701. Steele, an English essayist and dramatist, aimed to promote virtuous conduct through his writings. The tract advocated for respectful behavior, particularly towards women, and reflected a cultural shift from the preceding Restoration period. Despite its moralistic tone, Steele was accused of hypocrisy due to the contrast between his writings and his personal life. The tract's influence is seen in Steele's subsequent plays, which also carried a moralistic tenor.12

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Sir Richard Steele
Early life and works.
…1701 a moralistic tract, “The Christian Hero,” of which 10 editions were sold in his lifetime. This tract led to Steele’s being accused of hypocrisy and mocked for the contrast between his austere precepts and his genially convivial practice. For many of his contemporaries, however, its polite tone served as…
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…1701 a moralistic tract, “The Christian Hero,” of which 10 editions were sold in his lifetime. This tract led to Steele’s being accused of hypocrisy and mocked for the contrast between his austere precepts and his genially convivial practice. For many of his contemporaries, however, its polite tone served as…
Read More