Write a note on the rhetorical devices used in Mac Flecknoe ( MEG 102 ) ( MAC FLECKNOE )

Mac Flecknoe is a satirical poem by John Dryden that criticizes the works of a mediocre poet named Thomas Shadwell. The poem is notable for its use of rhetorical devices, which help to convey the poem's satirical tone and create a sense of humor and irony. Here are some of the rhetorical devices used in Mac Flecknoe:

Hyperbole: Dryden makes use of hyperbole, or exaggeration, throughout the poem to mock Shadwell's poetry. For example, he describes Shadwell as "the bold assassin of the press" and his works as "wild and batty fancies," which serve to paint a comically exaggerated picture of Shadwell's literary abilities.

Irony: Another key rhetorical device in Mac Flecknoe is irony, which is used to create a sense of humor and undercut Shadwell's pretensions as a serious poet. For example, Dryden describes Shadwell's works as "great wits sometimes may gloriously offend," a phrase that uses irony to suggest that Shadwell is not a great wit at all.

Satire: The entire poem is a work of satire, which uses humor and irony to criticize Shadwell's poetry and literary abilities. Satire is a rhetorical device that seeks to expose and criticize flaws in society or individuals through humor and wit.

Metaphor: Dryden makes use of metaphor to create a sense of visual imagery and to underscore the ridiculousness of Shadwell's poetry. For example, he describes Shadwell's works as "A monstrous image of a painted block," which serves to suggest that his poetry is lifeless and uninspired.

Parody: Finally, Dryden uses parody to create a sense of humor and to mock Shadwell's literary style. The poem is written in a style similar to Shadwell's own poetry, and uses his own words and phrases against him in a comically exaggerated way.

Overall, the use of these rhetorical devices in Mac Flecknoe helps to create a sense of humor and irony that undercuts Shadwell's pretensions as a serious poet. By using these devices, Dryden is able to criticize Shadwell's works and literary abilities in a way that is both effective and entertaining.