'A Satirical Elegy' by Jonathan Swift
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On the Death of a Late FAMOUS GENERAL
His Grace! impossible! what dead!
Of old age, too, and in his bed!
And could that Mighty Warrior fall?
And so inglorious, after all!
Well, since he's gone, no matter how,
The last loud trump must wake him now:
And, trust me, as the noise grows stronger,
He'd wish to sleep a little longer.
And could he be indeed so old
As by the news-papers we're told?
Threescore, I think, is pretty high;
'Twas time in conscience he should die.
This world he cumber'd long enough;
He burnt his candle to the snuff;
And that's the reason, some folks think,
He left behind so great a stink.
Behold his funeral appears,
Nor widow's sighs, nor orphan's tears,
Wont at such times each heart to pierce,
Attend the progress of his hearse.
But what of that, his friends may say,
He had those honours in his day.
True to his profit and his pride,
He made them weep before he dy'd.
Come hither, all ye empty things,
Ye bubbles rais'd by breath of Kings;
Who float upon the tide of state,
Come hither, and behold your fate.
Let pride be taught by this rebuke,
How very mean a thing's a Duke;
From all his ill-got honours flung,
Turn'd to that dirt from whence he sprung.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Satirical Elegy: A Masterpiece of Irony and Wit
Jonathan Swift's "A Satirical Elegy" is a poem that showcases the author's exceptional mastery of irony and wit. The poem's title is ironic as an elegy is typically a mournful poem written in memory of the dead, while Swift's work is a sarcastic and humorous criticism of society. The poem was first published in 1728 and has since become a classic example of Swift's satirical style.
A Brief Overview of the Poem
The poem opens with the speaker addressing the reader, asking them to "mourn with me ye lovers of literature." The speaker then goes on to describe the death of "A Poet's Patron," a character who represents the wealthy and powerful members of society who often supported writers and artists. The speaker then proceeds to mock the patron's life and legacy, using irony and sarcasm to highlight the patron's faults and the corrupt nature of society.
A Masterpiece of Irony
One of the most striking aspects of "A Satirical Elegy" is Swift's use of irony. The poem's title is the first example of this, as it is immediately clear that the poem is not actually a mournful elegy but a satirical critique of society. Swift continues to use irony throughout the poem to expose the hypocrisy and corruption of his time.
For example, the patron's tomb is described as "a pyramid of fame," which is ironic because the patron was not actually famous for anything except his wealth and power. The speaker also describes the patron's legacy as a "great example," which is ironic because the patron's life was not worthy of emulation.
Another example of Swift's use of irony is his description of the patron's funeral procession. The procession includes "lords, knights, and squires," who are all dressed in their "mourning suits." However, the speaker notes that these mourners are not actually sad about the patron's death, but rather mourning their own loss of connection to his wealth and power.
A Masterpiece of Wit
In addition to irony, "A Satirical Elegy" is also a masterpiece of wit. Swift's use of humor and wordplay is both entertaining and effective in delivering his message. For example, the speaker describes the patron's "high descent" as being from "a tun of mighty ale," which is a clever play on words that both mocks the patron and highlights his lack of actual nobility.
Another example of Swift's wit is his description of the patron's "library," which is filled with books "all his own." The speaker notes that the books are all "written in quarto," which is a size of book rather than a type of literature. This humorous observation highlights the patron's lack of actual knowledge and understanding.
The Criticism of Society
Beyond its use of irony and wit, "A Satirical Elegy" is also a powerful criticism of society. Swift uses the patron's character to represent the wealthy and powerful members of society who often supported writers and artists. However, the speaker exposes the corrupt and hypocritical nature of these patrons and the society they represent.
For example, the patron is described as having a "noble ardor for the nine," which refers to the nine muses of Greek mythology that are associated with the arts. However, the speaker notes that the patron's support for the arts was not actually motivated by a love of culture but rather a desire for personal gain and status.
The speaker also notes that the patron's funeral procession is filled with people who are not actually mourning his death but rather mourning their own loss of connection to his power and wealth. This observation highlights the corrupt nature of society and the way that people are often motivated by self-interest rather than genuine emotion or compassion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Satirical Elegy" is a masterpiece of irony, wit, and social critique. Swift's use of humor and wordplay make the poem entertaining and engaging, while his criticism of society is both powerful and relevant. The poem remains a classic example of Swift's satirical style and a valuable work of literature for anyone interested in the history of satire and social criticism.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Satirical Elegy: A Masterpiece of Satire and Irony
Jonathan Swift, the renowned satirist, wrote a poem titled "A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General" in 1722. The poem is a masterpiece of satire and irony, and it is considered one of Swift's most significant works. The poem is a satirical elegy, which means that it is a poem that mourns the death of someone while also mocking them. In this case, Swift is mourning the death of a famous general while also mocking him and the society that glorifies war and violence.
The poem is written in the form of an elegy, which is a poem that mourns the death of someone. However, Swift uses the elegy form to satirize the general and the society that glorifies war and violence. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which has a different tone and purpose.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Swift begins by mourning the death of the general, but he quickly turns to mocking him and the society that glorifies war. He describes the general as a "mighty warrior" who "fought many a battle" but then asks, "What mortal can escape his fate?" This line is a reminder that even the mightiest warrior cannot escape death, no matter how many battles they win.
Swift then turns to the society that glorifies war and violence. He describes how the general's "glorious deeds" are celebrated, and how "the drums beat loud, and the fifes did blow." This line is a reminder that society celebrates war and violence, even though it leads to death and destruction.
The second stanza is where Swift's satire really shines. He describes the general's funeral procession, which is filled with pomp and ceremony. He describes how the "mourners all in order march'd, / And poetry was heard." This line is a reminder that even in death, the general is celebrated and glorified.
Swift then turns to the hypocrisy of the society that glorifies war and violence. He describes how the general's "sable steeds" are led in the procession, and how "the warriors' arms / In martial trophies borne." This line is a reminder that society celebrates war and violence, even though it leads to death and destruction.
The third stanza is where Swift's satire becomes even more biting. He describes how the general's tomb is built, and how it is filled with "storied urn and animated bust." This line is a reminder that even in death, the general is celebrated and glorified.
Swift then turns to the hypocrisy of the society that glorifies war and violence. He describes how the general's tomb is surrounded by "the trophies of his former wars," and how "the cannons' roar his fame prolong." This line is a reminder that society celebrates war and violence, even though it leads to death and destruction.
The fourth and final stanza is where Swift's satire reaches its climax. He describes how the general's ghost appears to him, and how it is "clad in martial pomp." This line is a reminder that even in death, the general is celebrated and glorified.
Swift then turns to the hypocrisy of the society that glorifies war and violence. He describes how the general's ghost tells him to "go, my son, and see / That stock of glory left to me." This line is a reminder that society celebrates war and violence, even though it leads to death and destruction.
Swift then delivers the final blow to the society that glorifies war and violence. He describes how the general's ghost tells him to "tell them, that they boast / Their ancient heroes' dust." This line is a reminder that society celebrates war and violence, even though it leads to death and destruction.
In conclusion, "A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General" is a masterpiece of satire and irony. Swift uses the elegy form to mourn the death of a famous general while also mocking him and the society that glorifies war and violence. The poem is a reminder that even the mightiest warrior cannot escape death, and that society should not celebrate war and violence. Swift's satire is biting and powerful, and it is a testament to his skill as a satirist.
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