Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Think about Dryden's usage of the epic poetic form. How does this style contribute to the poem's humor and overall success?
- What is Dryden's best zinger in here? Why do you think so?
- Clearly this poem is quite bogged down by dated references, specific to the time period in which it was written. But even still, it holds up today. Why might this be, even though many of the references are no longer relevant?
- In "Mac Flecknoe," Dryden critiques Shadwell's vision of the comedic. How is Dryden's vision of comedy, as encapsulated in "Mac Flecknoe," different, and perhaps more effective, than that of Shadwell?
- Take a look at some of Shadwell's writing. Is it really so bad? Why or why not?