00223--Though specifically directed against Thomas Shadwell, the significance of 'Mac Flecknoe' consists in its being a strong denunciation of bad writers and writing. Discuss.[John Dryden] [English Literature free notes]


      John Dryden's Mac Flecknoe is one of the finest satires in the English language.   It was Neo-classical period in English literature and Dryden, along with another brilliant satirist Alexander Pope, was the poet who dominated the literary scene.  Satire was the most popular form of poetry and both Dryden and Pope were great masters of this poetic genre. 
            Mac Flecknoe is the product of a literary and personal rivalry.  The poem was Drden's reply to Thomas Shadwell's poem: The Medal of John Bayes  which in turn was a criticism of Dryden's earlier poem, The Medal.  Shadwell's poem was an unfair and indecent attack.  This provoked Dryden and he brought in Mac Flecknoe that silenced his adversary.
            Dryden's satirical genius is fully revealed in the poem.  It is a satire on Thomas Shadwell who was once a friend of Dryden.   The poem is primarily Dryden's reply to Shadwell.  Thus it is personal in nature.  But Dryden deliberately makes him a model of poetasters and a symbol of bad writing.  There are many references to good poets of the time.  Jonson, Flectcher, Etherage and Dekker from many of whom Shadwell, is accused of having stolen material.  Shadwell has limited some of them.  But according to Drydon, it does no good to the prince of dullness. 
            Shadwell's plays are criticised.  He invents his own humours for his plays.  Shadwell's poetic genius is such that he cannot compose a good play or write good poetry.  It is full of venom but can't compose even a good satire.  So Dryden advises him.
                        Thy Genius calls thee not to purchase fame
                        In keen iambics, but mild Anagram
                       Leave writing plays, and choose for thy command
                        Some peaceful Province in Acrostic land

This is piece of sound advice not only to Shadwell but all bad poets.
            This is that boasted bias of thy mind
            By which one way to dullness 'tis inclined
            Which makes thy writings lean on one side still.
           
 Shadwell can write neither tragedy or comedy.  Dryden ridicules,
            Thy tragic muse gives smiles, thy comic sleep.

            Thus Dryden's poem Mac Flecknoe becomes a satire not only on Shadwell but on all bad writers and bad writings as well.



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