A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General Flashcards
What era was A Satirical Elegy written in?
Early Georgian era
What is the poem?
An elegy (tribute to someone), these were popular at the time but Swift is subverting the elegy genre as he is being disrespectful about the death of someone
Who is the poem criticising?
Duke of Marlborough who had recently died
What was the Duke of Marlborough seen as?
Being arrogant, heartless and interested in making money from the wars
What did people believe at the time?
Being very respectful to someone who has just died and mourning for a long time
What is the rhyme scheme?
Rhyming couplets
What is the rhythm?
Iambic tetrameter which creates a jovial feel which is ironic as he is talking about someone who has recently passed away
Where is there a volta?
In the last 8 lines which is a message for other powerful leaders
