Discuss the satirical portraiture of Mac Flecknoe. ( MEG 102 ) ( MAC FLECKNOE )

Mac Flecknoe is a mock-heroic poem by John Dryden that satirizes the literary world of his time by depicting the crowning of a king of dullness and mediocrity. The poem is filled with satirical portraits of various poets and writers of Dryden's time, each of whom is portrayed in a humorous and critical light.

One of the most prominent examples of satirical portraiture in Mac Flecknoe is the character of Thomas Shadwell, who is portrayed as a buffoonish figure with no originality or talent. Shadwell is crowned king of the kingdom of dullness, and his lack of creativity and wit is celebrated by the other poets in the kingdom. This portrayal of Shadwell as a mediocre writer is meant to be a satire of the literary scene of Dryden's time, in which talent and originality were often overshadowed by conformity and mediocrity.

Other poets are also satirized in the poem, including Richard Flecknoe, who is depicted as a weak and ineffective poet, and Elkanah Settle, who is portrayed as a plagiarist. Dryden uses humorous and exaggerated language to create vivid and memorable portraits of these poets, while also highlighting their flaws and weaknesses.

In addition to the individual portraits of poets, Mac Flecknoe also contains broader satirical commentary on the literary world of the time. The poem criticizes the lack of creativity and originality in contemporary poetry, and suggests that the pursuit of fame and recognition has led many writers to abandon true artistic expression. This broader critique is woven throughout the poem, adding depth and complexity to the satirical portraits of individual poets.

Overall, the satirical portraiture of Mac Flecknoe is a powerful and effective tool for criticizing the literary scene of Dryden's time. Through the use of humor, exaggeration, and vivid language, Dryden is able to create memorable and insightful portraits of individual poets, while also providing broader commentary on the state of contemporary literature. The result is a poem that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and which remains a classic example of satirical poetry.