Shadwell thought himself to be following in the footsteps of great playwright Ben Jonson. He even copied Jonson's style in many of his plays. Dryden wants to make it abundantly clear that the words "Shadwell" and "Jonson" should never be uttered in the same sentence. From a historical perspective, it seems like Shadwell's biggest break came with "Mac Flecknoe"—but unfortunately for him, for the wrong reasons.
Questions About Respect and Reputation
- Why do you think Shadwell was the more famous writer at the time, eventually even replacing Dryden as Poet Laureate of England?
- How seriously do you think Dryden takes himself in this poem? Can goofy writing still be great?
- Why did Dryden single out Richard Flecknoe, a relatively obscure writer at the time?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
It isn't Shadwell who is truly following in the footsteps of Ben Jonson, but rather Dryden himself, as he finds new and creative ways to write humorously—just as the earlier playwright once did.
Dryden actually was jealous of Shadwell's growing fame, and sought with "Mac Flecknoe" to knock him down a peg.