Hi, need to submit a 2250 words essay on the topic Wit and Comedy in Literature.Download file to see previous pages... Analyzing a literary master piece in the context of its genre not only helps the

Hi, need to submit a 2250 words essay on the topic Wit and Comedy in Literature.

Download file to see previous pages...

Analyzing a literary master piece in the context of its genre not only helps the reader to understand the common literary elements attributed to that genre, but also facilitates a creative cognizance of the extent to which the inherited conventions of that genre are being manipulated. The direct fallout of such a perspective is that it enhances one's appreciation of the originality of the work under consideration. This stands particularly true with regards to the works of comedy or satire. Any literary work imbued with humour and satire does often have subtle nuances and a soft but potent finesse, which demands all the astuteness at the disposal of reader to release its effect. Hence it really helps to study comedy and satire in a systematic and organized manner, which certainly involves a reorganization of the fundamental conventions of the involved genre. ...

'The Rape of the Lock' is a social satire written in the Mock-Epic tradition. A mock-epic is in fact a parody of the exalted epic form. In the works affiliated to such genre, a theme obviously unworthy of, an incident quiet trifling in itself is treated in the grand manner of an epic (Abrams 2000, p.27). All the leading features- invocation, presentation of the theme, battles and the fighting heroes, interference of the supernatural machinery, grand style of description, epic similes and dialogue are brought in the mock exaltation of the trivial subject (Abrams 2000, p.27). Apart from these, there are particular scenes, speeches, details, phrases, which are parodied and alluded to, for the contrast (Abrams 2000, p.27). When the dignified kind of composition is turned to witty use, the poem becomes a mock-epic. In fact though incongruously, it ridicules a petty topic and brings home a misplaced sense of values.

'The Rape of the Lock' being a mock-epic, provides a parallel to a complete epic poem. In strict adherence to the conventions of this genre, it opens with the statement of the theme and an invocation to a goddess for assistance in the work. Pope sings not the fall of man or the wrath of Achilles. it is the clipping of a lock of hair from a girl's head (Daiches 2000, p.629). The theme and the invocation to the muse are set forth in the following exalted words:

"What dire offences from the amorous causes springs.

What mighty contests rise from trivial things," (i, 1-2)

"Say what strange motive, Goddess could compel

A well-bred Lord to assault a gentle Belle" (i, 7-8)

Pope throughout the poem is able to keep the pompous language. This in fact is the secret of the mock-epic style.