Discuss the fun and humour in the story of Mac Flecknoe. ( MEG 102 ) ( MAC FLECKNOE )

Mac Flecknoe is a satirical poem written by John Dryden in 1682, which parodies the literary world of Restoration England. The poem is filled with witty language, clever puns, and humorous imagery that create an entertaining and comedic atmosphere.

One of the main sources of humor in the poem is the exaggerated and ridiculous characterizations of the poets and literary figures. Dryden depicts Shadwell, the target of the satire, as a dull and incompetent writer who is unfit to hold the title of Poet Laureate. He mocks Shadwell's works as being mediocre and lacking in creativity, and compares him to animals and inanimate objects to emphasize his unremarkable nature.

Dryden's use of irony and wordplay also adds to the comedic effect of the poem. For example, in the opening lines, he describes Shadwell as the "true dunces," which is a play on the word "Dunce" - a term used to describe followers of the philosophy of John Duns Scotus, but which had become a term of abuse for people who were considered stupid or foolish. Similarly, Dryden's description of Shadwell as the "St. George" of "dullness" is a humorous twist on the traditional image of St. George as a hero who defeats dragons and other monsters.

The poem's use of hyperbole and exaggeration also contributes to its humor. For instance, Dryden describes Shadwell's plays as being so terrible that they "did a famine frighten," meaning that they were so bad that people would rather go hungry than watch them. He also describes Shadwell as having a "forehead of brass" and a "heart of oak," which are hyperbolic descriptions that add to the ridiculousness of the character.

Overall, Mac Flecknoe is a masterful piece of satire that uses clever wordplay, exaggerated characterizations, and humorous imagery to create a satirical portrait of the literary world of Restoration England. The poem is a testament to Dryden's skill as a writer and his ability to entertain and amuse his audience while making a pointed critique of his contemporaries.