3/28/12

As we learned about Jonathan Swifts "A Modest Proposal" in Brit Lit I, the idea of satirical writing intrigued me because of how strong the voice irony is and how it really makes one think about what exactly is going on in ones society or even in their lives. This lead me to research satire-esque writing where I found an article about an overview of a British Drama that was a moral satire called, The Plain Dealer. This drama was written by William Wycherley and was from one of his well known comedies that displayed the most variety of content and style.

"Its subplot, in which Freeman overreaches the litigious Widow Blackacre, to whom he has been paying mercenary court, and succeeds in securing an income and the discharge of his debts without even having to marry her, is a simple comedy of humours, peppered with law terms and diversified with her independence-seeking son Jerry and her other suitor the superannuated wit Major Oldfox. Its main plot, whose connections with the subplot are of the slightest, is a comedy of intrigue, with a strong moral and satirical flavour, employing occasional blank verse as well as the customary prose." (Craik)

In this story great stress is laid on insincerity and that is the major motif of irony and satire that is presented in the drama. It was interesting to read about because it portrayed British' lifestyle which was quite different than American lifestyle but yet the story was very simplistic and relatable to what Brits might actually encounter in their everyday lives. 

Craik, T.W. "The Plain-dealer: Overview." Reference Guide to English Literature. Ed. D. L. Kirkpatrick. 2nd ed. Chicago: St. James Press, 1991.Literature Resource Center. Web. 1 Apr. 2012.

First Post

This is my British Literature II research blog where I will be posting research on Satire throughout the years and how it has been evident in British literature and still is to this day.