Satire in the Elizabethan Era


Book Description

This book argues that the satire of the late Elizabethan period goes far beyond generic rhetorical persuasion, but is instead intentionally engaged in a literary mission of transideological "perceptual translation." This reshaping of cultural orthodoxies is interpreted in this study as both authentic and "activistic" in the sense that satire represents a purpose-driven attempt to build a consensual community devoted to genuine socio-cultural change. The book includes explorations of specific ideologically stabilizing satires produced before the Bishops’ Ban of 1599, as well as the attempt to return nihilistic English satire to a stabilizing theatrical form during the tumultuous end of the reign of Elizabeth I. Dr. Jones infuses carefully chosen, modern-day examples of satire alongside those of the Elizabethan Era, making it a thoughtful, vigorous read.










Court and Its Critics


Book Description

The Court and Its Critics focuses on the disillusionment with courtliness, the derision of those who live at court, and the open hostility toward the court, themes common to Renaissance culture.










English Satires


Book Description

English Satires is a compelling anthology that encapsulates the brilliant wit and razor-sharp critique that have defined English satirical writing across ages. This collection weaves together a rich tapestry of works that span from the pithy, comedic tales of Chaucer to the keen societal observations of Swift and Pope, embracing a diversity of literary forms including poetry, prose, and the essay. The anthology reveals the evolution of satirical techniques, showcasing standout pieces that have left an indelible mark on literary tradition, all while maintaining a cohesive exploration of themes such as human folly, societal norms, and political arrogance. The contributing authors are monumental figures whose works have not only contributed to but also shaped the canon of English literature. From Jonathan Swifts acerbic prose to Robert Burns' lyrical mastery and Daniel Defoe's pioneering narratives, each author brings a unique voice that reflects diverse historical and cultural contexts. Together, they represent significant periods in literature, from the Renaissance to the Romantic era, highlighting how satire has served as a powerful tool for social and political commentary. 'English Satires' invites readers to dive into the depths of English literary satire, offering a unique lens to view the subtlety, complexity, and evolution of this enduring genre. Through this anthology, one gains an unparalleled opportunity to understand the dialogues between authors from different eras, each critiquing their society in ways that remain remarkably relevant today. This collection is not only an essential academic resource but also a treasure trove for anyone looking to appreciate the art of satire and its significant impact on English literature and beyond.




Jonson, the Poetomachia, and the Reformation of Renaissance Satire


Book Description

Does satire have the ability to effect social reform? If so, what satiric style is most effective in bringing about reform? This book explores how Renaissance poet and playwright Ben Jonson negotiated contemporary pressures to forge a satiric persona and style uniquely his own. These pressures were especially intense while Jonson was engaged in the Poetomachia, or Poets’ War (1598-1601), which pitted him against rival writers John Marston and Thomas Dekker. As a struggle between satiric styles, this conflict poses compelling questions about the nature and potential of satire during the Renaissance. In particular, this book explores how Jonson forged a moderate Horatian satiric style he championed as capable of effective social reform. As part of his distinctive model, Jonson turned to the metaphor of purging, in opposition to the metaphors of stinging, barking, biting, and whipping employed by his Juvenalian rivals. By integrating this conception of satire into his Horatian poetics, Jonson sought to avoid the pitfalls of the aggressive, violent style of his rivals while still effectively critiquing vice, upholding his model as a means for the reformation not only of society, but of satire itself.







Sex and Satiric Tragedy in Early Modern England


Book Description

Drawing upon recent scholarship in Renaissance studies regarding notions of the body, political, physical and social, this study examines how the satiric tragedians of the English Renaissance employ the languages of sex - including sexual slander, titillation, insinuation and obscenity - in the service of satiric aggression. There is a close association between the genre of satire and sexually descriptive language in the period, author Gabriel Rieger argues, particularly in the ways in which both the genre and the languages embody systems of oppositions. In exploring the various purposes which sexually descriptive language serves for the satiric tragedian, Rieger reviews a broad range of texts, ancient, Renaissance, and contemporary, by satiric tragedians, moralists, medical writers and critics, paying particular attention to the works of William Shakespeare, Thomas Middleton and John Webster