The Hilliad Poem Analysis
"The Hilliad" is a satirical mock-heroic poem written by the English poet Christopher Smart, published in 1753. The poem is a parody of Alexander Pope's famous work, "The Dunciad," which itself is a satirical mock-epic that targets literary figures and critics of the time. "The Hilliad" specifically targets the poet and playwright Sir John Hill, a contemporary of Smart, who was involved in several literary disputes and had made a number of enemies within the literary community.
The poem is composed of rhymed couplets, a form that was popular in 18th-century satirical poetry. Smart employs various literary devices, including irony, exaggeration, and parody, to create a humorous and biting critique of Hill's work and character.
"The Hilliad" begins with an invocation of the muse, a traditional feature of epic poetry, but with a satirical twist. Instead of calling upon a divine muse for inspiration, Smart invokes "Folly," the goddess of absurdity and foolishness, to guide him in his satirical endeavor.
The poem proceeds to recount a fictional battle between Hill and his literary enemies, in which Hill is depicted as a pretentious and self-important figure, constantly seeking praise and recognition. Smart uses vivid and exaggerated imagery to portray Hill's various "heroic" deeds, which include engaging in petty disputes, plagiarizing other writers, and producing poor-quality work.
Throughout the poem, Smart employs a range of classical allusions and references to mock Hill's pretensions and to highlight his lack of originality and talent. In doing so, Smart not only critiques Hill's work and character but also parodies the conventions of epic poetry and the elevated language often used in such works. This serves to emphasize the absurdity of Hill's literary ambitions and to place him in contrast with the true literary heroes of the time.
In addition to targeting Hill, "The Hilliad" also serves as a commentary on the state of the literary world in the 18th century. Smart satirizes the various feuds and rivalries that were common among writers and critics, suggesting that such disputes were ultimately petty and unproductive. By presenting Hill as a symbol of the vanity, ambition, and mediocrity that plagued the literary scene, Smart calls for a more genuine and meaningful engagement with the arts.
In conclusion, "The Hilliad" is a satirical mock-heroic poem that targets the poet and playwright Sir John Hill, critiquing his work, character, and pretensions. Christopher Smart uses parody, irony, and exaggeration to create a humorous and biting portrayal of Hill, while also commenting on the broader state of the literary world in the 18th century. Through its clever use of literary devices and classical allusions, the poem serves as both an entertaining satire and a thoughtful reflection on the role of ambition, vanity, and rivalry in the world of literature.