Introduction: “A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General” by Johnathan Swift
“A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General” by Jonathan Swift was first published in posthumously in 1765, not appearing in any collection during his lifetime. The poem utilizes sharp wit and irony to dismantle the traditional elegy form. Swift employs feigned surprise and exaggerated mourning to expose the supposed general’s lack of true merit
Text: “A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General” by Johnathan Swift
His Grace! impossible! what dead!
Of old age too, and in his bed!
And could that mighty warrior fall?
And so inglorious, after all!
Well, since he’s gone, no matter how,
The last loud trump must wake him now:
And, trust me, as the noise grows stronger,
He’d wish to sleep a little longer.
And could he be indeed so old
As by the newspapers we’re told?
Threescore, I think, is pretty high;
’Twas time in conscience he should die
This world he cumbered long enough;
He burnt his candle to the snuff;
And that’s the reason, some folks think,
He left behind so great a stink.
Behold his funeral appears,
Nor widow’s sighs, nor orphan’s tears,
Wont at such times each heart to pierce,
Attend the progress of his hearse.
But what of that, his friends may say,
He had those honours in his day.
True to his profit and his pride,
He made them weep before he died.
Come hither, all ye empty things,
Ye bubbles raised by breath of kings;
Who float upon the tide of state,
Come hither, and behold your fate.
Let pride be taught by this rebuke,
How very mean a thing’s a Duke;
From all his ill-got honours flung,
Turned to that dirt from whence he sprung.
Annotations: “A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General” by Johnathan Swift
| Line | Annotation |
| His Grace! impossible! what dead! | Swift’s use of “His Grace” is ironic, as it is a title of respect, but the speaker is being sarcastic. The exclamation “impossible!” and “what dead!” convey shock and disbelief at the general’s death, but also hint at the speaker’s insincerity. |
| Of old age too, and in his bed! | The phrase “of old age” is a euphemism for a natural death, but the addition of “and in his bed” emphasizes the unglamorous and unheroic circumstances of his death. This contrasts with the typical heroic death in battle expected of a great general. |
| And could that mighty warrior fall? | This rhetorical question expresses mock surprise and disbelief that the general, once powerful and mighty, could actually die. The word “fall” implies a sense of decline and weakness. |
| And so inglorious, after all! | The word “inglorious” means without glory or honor, emphasizing the general’s unheroic death. The phrase “after all” suggests that despite his past achievements, his death is still unimpressive. |
| Well, since he’s gone, no matter how, | This line conveys a sense of resignation and indifference to the circumstances of the general’s death. The phrase “no matter how” implies that the speaker doesn’t care about the details of his death. |
| The last loud trump must wake him now: | The “last loud trump” symbolizes the call to judgment or the final summons. The word “wake” implies that the general is being roused from sleep, suggesting that death is a kind of awakening. |
| And, trust me, as the noise grows stronger, | The phrase “trust me” is ironic, as the speaker is being sarcastic and untrustworthy. The “noise” refers to the sound of the trumpet, and the phrase “grows stronger” implies that the call to judgment is becoming more insistent. |
| He’d wish to sleep a little longer. | This line is humorous and ironic, suggesting that the general would rather avoid judgment and sleep a little longer. It pokes fun at the idea that even the mighty general is not ready to face death. |
| And could he be indeed so old | This line questions the truth of the general’s reported age, suggesting that he might be older than claimed. |
| As by the newspapers we’re told? | This line references the unreliability of media reports, implying that the general’s age might be exaggerated or distorted for public consumption. |
| Threescore, I think, is pretty high; | The phrase “threescore” means sixty, and the speaker’s comment that it’s “pretty high” is an understatement, as sixty was considered old in Swift’s time. The irony lies in the speaker’s casual tone, downplaying the significance of the general’s age. |
| ‘Twas time in conscience he should die | This line is sarcastic, suggesting that the general lived too long and it’s a good thing he finally died. The phrase “in conscience” implies a sense of moral obligation, but the speaker is being facetious. |
| This world he cumbered long enough; | The word “cumbered” means to encumber or hinder, implying that the general’s presence in the world was a burden. The phrase “long enough” suggests that he overstayed his welcome. |
| He burnt his candle to the snuff; | This metaphor compares the general’s life to a candle, suggesting that he lived excessively and wastefully, burning himself out. The phrase “to the snuff” means to the very end, implying that he exhausted his resources. |
| And that’s the reason, some folks think, | This line is ironic, as the speaker attributes the general’s death to his excessive lifestyle, but the phrase “some folks think” implies that this is just one opinion among many. |
| He left behind so great a stink. | This line is an exaggeration, using hyperbole to emphasize the negative impact of the general’s life. The word “stink” implies a strong and unpleasant odor, symbolizing the general’s corrupt and harmful legacy. |
| Behold his funeral appears, | This line is ironic, as the speaker describes the general’s funeral as if it’s a grand and impressive spectacle, but the tone is sarcastic. |
| Nor widow’s sighs, nor orphan’s tears, | This line notes the absence of genuine mourning or emotional response to the general’s death. The phrase “widow’s sighs” and “orphan’s tears” implies that even those closest to him are not truly grieving. |
| Line | Annotation |
| Nor widow’s sighs, nor orphan’s tears, | This line notes the absence of genuine mourning or emotional response to the general’s death. The phrase “widow’s sighs” and “orphan’s tears” implies that even those closest to him are not truly grieving. |
| Wont at such times each heart to pierce, | This line is ironic, as it suggests that the general’s death should have caused emotional pain, but the word “wont” means accustomed or usual, implying that this is not the case. The phrase “each heart to pierce” means to affect everyone deeply. |
| Attend the progress of his hearse. | This line is sarcastic, as it describes the general’s funeral procession as if it’s a grand and impressive spectacle, but the tone is mocking. The word “progress” implies a sense of grandeur and ceremony. |
| But what of that, his friends may say, | This line is ironic, as it suggests that the general’s friends are downplaying his death and legacy. The phrase “what of that” is a dismissive expression, implying that his friends don’t care about his impact. |
| He had those honours in his day. | This line references the general’s past achievements and honors, but the phrase “in his day” implies that they are now distant and irrelevant. |
| True to his profit and his pride, | This line is critical, suggesting that the general was motivated by self-interest and arrogance. The phrase “true to” means loyal or faithful to, but in this case, it implies a negative quality. |
| He made them weep before he died. | This line is ironic, as it suggests that the general caused others to suffer or grieve during his lifetime, but not in a positive or heroic way. The phrase “before he died” implies that his impact was felt before his death, but not in a lasting or meaningful way. |
| Come hither, all ye empty things, | This line addresses the empty and vain symbols of power and status, using the phrase “come hither” to summon them. The word “empty” implies a lack of substance or value. |
| Ye bubbles raised by breath of kings; | This line uses a metaphor to compare the symbols of power to bubbles, implying that they are fragile and ephemeral. The phrase “breath of kings” suggests that they are created and sustained by the whims of powerful people. |
| Who float upon the tide of state, | This line continues the metaphor, comparing the symbols of power to objects floating on the surface of water. The phrase “tide of state” implies the changing fortunes of political power. |
| Come hither, and behold your fate. | This line summons the symbols of power to witness their own fate, using the phrase “come hither” to command their attention. The word “behold” implies a sense of spectacle or display. |
| Let pride be taught by this rebuke, | This line addresses the proud and arrogant, using the word “rebuke” to imply a sense of correction or chastisement. The phrase “let pride be taught” suggests that pride should be instructed or humbled. |
| How very mean a thing’s a Duke; | This line is satirical, using the word “mean” to imply a sense of worthlessness or insignificance. The phrase “a thing’s a Duke” reduces the title of Duke to a mere object or trinket. |
| From all his ill-got honours flung, | This line is critical, suggesting that the general’s honors and achievements were gained through corrupt or unjust means. The phrase “ill-got” implies a sense of wrongdoing or illegitimacy. |
| Turned to that dirt from whence he sprung. | This line uses a metaphor to compare the general’s legacy to dirt or earth, implying that he has returned to his humble origins. The phrase “from whence he sprung” suggests a sense of circularity or return to one’s starting point. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General” by Johnathan Swift
| Device | Example | Explanation |
| Alliteration | ” The last loud trump must wake him now: “ | Repetition of initial consonant sounds for musical effect |
| Amplification | “Threescore, I think, is pretty high; / ‘Twas time in conscience he should die” | Emphasizing a point by repeating or expanding on it |
| Enjambment | “And could that mighty warrior fall? / And so inglorious, after all!” | Carrying a sentence or phrase over to the next line without a pause |
| Epigram | “He burnt his candle to the snuff; / And that’s the reason, some folks think, / He left behind so great a stink.” | A witty, satirical remark |
| Hyperbole | “He left behind so great a stink” | Exaggeration for emphasis or effect |
| Irony | “His Grace! impossible! what dead! / Of old age too, and in his bed!” | Saying the opposite of what is meant, often to convey contempt or scorn |
| Juxtaposition | “Behold his funeral appears, / Nor widow’s sighs, nor orphan’s tears” | Placing two contrasting ideas or images side by side |
| Metaphor | “He burnt his candle to the snuff” | Comparing two unlike things without “like” or “as” |
| Mock Elegy | Entire poem | A satirical poem that mocks the traditional elegy form |
| Onomatopoeia | “The last loud trump must wake him now” | Words imitating the sounds they describe |
| Oxymoron | “inglorious, after all” | Combining two contradictory words or ideas |
| Paradox | “He made them weep before he died” | A statement that contradicts itself or appears illogical |
| Personification | “Pride be taught by this rebuke” | Attributing human qualities or actions to non-human entities |
| Refrain | “Come hither” | Repeating a phrase or line at intervals throughout the poem |
| Rhyme | Various examples throughout the poem | Using similar sounds in words to create a musical effect |
| Satire | Entire poem | Using irony, sarcasm, and ridicule to criticize or expose vices or follies |
| Simile | “Ye bubbles raised by breath of kings” | Comparing two unlike things using “like” or “as” |
| Symbolism | “Duke” | Using an object, color, or other element to represent an abstract idea or concept |
| Understatement | “Threescore, I think, is pretty high” | Saying less than what is meant, often for ironic or humorous effect |
| Wordplay | “stink” (multiple meanings) | Using words with multiple meanings or connotations for clever effect |
Themes: “A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General” by Johnathan Swift
- The Transience of Fame and Glory: In Swift’s satire, the theme of the fleeting nature of fame and glory is evident. The poem mocks the general’s lack of a heroic demise, emphasizing the irony of a once-mighty warrior meeting an inglorious end in old age. Lines such as “And could that mighty warrior fall? / And so inglorious, after all!” (lines 3-4) underscore the general’s descent from power and significance. Swift highlights how worldly achievements ultimately fade into insignificance with the passage of time, serving as a commentary on the ephemeral nature of human accomplishments.
- The Futility of Worldly Honors and Titles: Swift critiques the superficiality of societal recognition, suggesting that honors and titles hold little value in the face of mortality. He derides the emptiness of such accolades, emphasizing their insignificance in the grand scheme of life and death. Lines like “How very mean a thing’s a Duke; / From all his ill-got honours flung” (lines 30-31) underscore the poem’s theme of the emptiness of worldly distinctions. Swift’s satire challenges the notion that social status and titles confer lasting importance, highlighting their transient nature.
- Hypocrisy in Mourning Rituals and Social Expectations: The poem addresses the hypocrisy inherent in mourning rituals and societal expectations surrounding death. Despite the general’s lack of genuine mourners, his friends may still seek to claim honor for his past deeds. Swift satirizes this insincerity, critiquing the tendency to prioritize appearances over genuine emotion. Lines such as “But what of that, his friends may say, / He had those honours in his day” (lines 21-22) highlight the discrepancy between public displays of mourning and private motivations. This theme serves as a commentary on the performative nature of social customs related to death.
- The Universality of Mortality: Through humor and satire, Swift reminds readers of the universal inevitability of mortality. The poem serves as a stark reminder of the impermanence of human existence and the ultimate equalizer that is death. Lines like “Come hither, and behold your fate. / Let pride be taught by this rebuke” (lines 28-29) underscore the poem’s theme of mortality. Swift’s satire challenges individuals to confront their mortality and consider the futility of worldly pursuits in the face of death. This theme resonates throughout the poem, serving as a sobering reflection on the human condition.
Literary Theories and “A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General” by Johnathan Swift
| Literary Theory | Explanation | References from the Poem |
| 1. New Historicism | New Historicism examines literary works within the context of historical events, social norms, and cultural attitudes of the time period. | Swift’s satire reflects contemporary views on power, mortality, and societal norms. |
| In the poem, Swift critiques the societal obsession with fame and glory, suggesting that the general’s death exposes the transience of worldly honors. | “Threescore, I think, is pretty high; / ’Twas time in conscience he should die” (lines 7-8) | |
| 2. Satire | Satire uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize societal follies, vices, or shortcomings. | Swift employs satire to mock the superficiality of societal recognition and the hypocrisy of mourning rituals. |
| The poem satirizes the empty rituals of mourning and the insincerity of those who seek to claim honor for the deceased. | “Come hither, all ye empty things, / Ye bubbles raised by breath of kings” (lines 24-25) | |
| 3. Deconstruction | Deconstruction challenges binary oppositions and hierarchical structures in texts, revealing contradictions and ambiguities. | Swift deconstructs the notion of fame and glory, highlighting their fleeting nature and ultimate insignificance. |
| The poem undermines traditional notions of honor and status, suggesting that titles and accolades are ultimately meaningless. | “How very mean a thing’s a Duke; / From all his ill-got honours flung” (lines 30-31) | |
| 4. Reader-Response Criticism | Reader-Response Criticism emphasizes the role of the reader in interpreting a text and considers how individual experiences shape meaning. | Readers may respond to Swift’s satire based on their own views of societal norms and mortality. |
| Readers may find Swift’s critique of societal values thought-provoking and may reflect on the transient nature of human achievements. | “And could that mighty warrior fall? / And so inglorious, after all!” (lines 3-4) |
Critical Questions about “A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General” by Johnathan Swift
- What is the tone of the poem and how is it achieved?
- The tone of the poem is satirical, ironic, and sarcastic, achieved through Swift’s use of language, imagery, and rhetorical devices. The speaker’s mock surprise and disbelief at the general’s death (“His Grace! impossible! what dead!”), the use of irony (“And could that mighty warrior fall?”), and sarcasm (“Well, since he’s gone, no matter how”) create a tone that is both critical and humorous. The poem’s use of hyperbole (“He left behind so great a stink”) and metaphor (“He burnt his candle to the snuff”) also contribute to its satirical tone.
- What is the speaker’s attitude towards the general and his legacy?
- The speaker’s attitude towards the general and his legacy is one of criticism and disdain. The poem portrays the general as a self-interested, arrogant, and corrupt individual who has left behind a negative impact (“He left behind so great a stink”). The speaker also mocks the general’s achievements and honors, reducing them to mere “empty things” and “bubbles raised by breath of kings.” The poem suggests that the general’s legacy is one of harm and suffering, and that his death is not worthy of genuine mourning or praise.
- How does the poem use imagery and metaphor to convey its themes?
- The poem uses imagery and metaphor to convey its themes of corruption, excess, and the fleeting nature of power and status. The image of the general burning his candle to the snuff suggests a life of excess and waste, while the metaphor of the “bubbles raised by breath of kings” implies that the symbols of power and status are fragile and ephemeral. The poem’s use of hyperbole, such as the “great stink” left behind by the general, also creates vivid imagery that reinforces its themes.
- What commentary does the poem offer on the social and political context of its time?
- The poem offers a commentary on the social and political context of its time by critiquing the excesses and corruption of the powerful and wealthy. The poem suggests that those in power are often motivated by self-interest and pride, and that their achievements and honors are often gained through corrupt or unjust means. The poem also implies that the symbols of power and status are empty and fleeting, and that true value lies in humility and virtue rather than wealth and prestige. The poem’s satire and irony offer a commentary on the social and political context of Swift’s time, critiquing the excesses of the wealthy and powerful.
Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General” by Johnathan Swift
| Essay Topic | Question | Thesis Statement |
| The Power of Satire | How does Swift’s use of satire in the poem critique the excesses and corruption of the powerful and wealthy, and what impact does this have on the reader? | Through his masterful use of satire, Swift exposes the hypocrisy and superficiality of the general’s legacy, prompting the reader to question the true value of power and status. |
| Imagery and Theme | How does the poem’s imagery and metaphor contribute to its themes of corruption, excess, and the fleeting nature of power and status, and what insights do these literary devices offer into the human condition? | The poem’s imagery and metaphor, particularly the candle burning to the snuff and the bubbles raised by breath of kings, offer a scathing critique of the human tendency towards excess and corruption, highlighting the transience of earthly achievements. |
| Death and Legacy | How does the poem use the general’s death and legacy to comment on the fleeting nature of human achievement and the importance of humility and virtue, and what message does this convey to the reader? | Through the general’s empty and fleeting legacy, Swift cautions against the dangers of pride and ambition, emphasizing the importance of humility and virtue in human life and encouraging the reader to prioritize moral character over earthly success. |
Literary Works Similar to “A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General” by Johnathan Swift
- “The Vanity of Human Wishes” by Samuel Johnson – This poem satirizes the human desire for wealth, power, and fame, exploring the futility of worldly ambitions and the inevitability of death.
- “The Dunciad” by Alexander Pope – Pope’s mock-epic poem satirizes the literary and cultural figures of his time, lampooning the decline of intellectual standards and the rise of mediocrity.
- “The Rape of the Lock” by Alexander Pope – This mock-heroic poem humorously critiques the frivolity and vanity of aristocratic society, focusing on a trivial incident involving the cutting of a woman’s hair.
- “The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer – Chaucer’s collection of tales features a variety of satirical elements, lampooning societal norms, religious hypocrisy, and human folly through the diverse characters and narratives.
- “The Flea” by John Donne – While not an elegy, Donne’s metaphysical poem employs wit and irony to explore themes of seduction, persuasion, and the blurring of physical and spiritual boundaries, making it a compelling work of satirical poetry.
Suggested Readings: “A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General” by Johnathan Swift
Books:
Swift, Jonathan. A Modest Proposal and Other Satirical Works. Edited by Candace Ward, Dover Publications, 1996.
—. Gulliver’s Travels. Edited by Robert DeMaria Jr., Norton Critical Editions, 2001.
Weblinks:
- Jokinen, Anniina. “Jonathan Swift (1667-1745).” Luminarium Anthology of English Literature, Luminarium, 2011, www.luminarium.org/eightlit/swift/swiftbio.php.
- The Poetry Foundation. “Jonathan Swift.” Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/jonathan-swift.
Representative Quotations “A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General” by Johnathan Swift
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “His Grace! impossible! what dead!” | The speaker expresses disbelief at the death of the general, emphasizing his high status. | New Historicism: Reflects contemporary views on power and societal norms. |
| “Threescore, I think, is pretty high; / ’Twas time in conscience he should die” | Swift questions the accuracy of reports regarding the general’s age and suggests it was time for him to die. | Deconstruction: Challenges traditional notions of honor and status. |
| “How very mean a thing’s a Duke; / From all his ill-got honours flung” | The speaker derides the emptiness of worldly distinctions and titles. | Satire: Critiques the superficiality of societal recognition and the hypocrisy of mourning rituals. |
| “Come hither, all ye empty things, / Ye bubbles raised by breath of kings” | Swift addresses the vanity and insignificance of those who depend on the favor of kings. | Satire: Mocks the pursuit of worldly honors and the transient nature of power. |
| “And could that mighty warrior fall? / And so inglorious, after all!” | The speaker questions the lack of a heroic death for the once-mighty general. | New Historicism: Reflects societal expectations of heroism and glory. |
| “True to his profit and his pride, / He made them weep before he died” | Swift comments on the general’s self-serving nature, causing others to mourn him. | Reader-Response Criticism: Readers may respond based on their views of societal norms and mortality. |
| “Let pride be taught by this rebuke, / How very mean a thing’s a Duke” | The speaker advises humility in the face of mortality and criticizes the importance placed on titles. | New Historicism: Reflects societal attitudes towards status and humility. |
