Windsor Forest

Congruence in Satire and Pastoral

Abstract

Satire is primarily understood as a bold, Swift attack on target to the effect of ridiculing their position in order for a disposition of moral goodness to be instilled and good sense to return. Alexander Pope is a figure described by Byron as the "moral poet of all humanity," yet is described by some modern scholars as morally bankrupt in his personal life. In his poem responding to the brokerage of peace between Britain and France, Pope outwardly embraces the public narrative of celebration, peace, and empire, while discretely extolling doubt.