Hudibras - Samuel Butler

. .

Résumé :
The knight-errant Hudibras and his trusty (and somewhat more grounded) squire Ralph roam the land in search of adventure and love. Never the most congenial of partners, their constant arguments are Samuel Butler?s satire of the major issues of the day in late 17th century Britain, including the recent civil war, religious sectarianism, philosophy, astrology, and even the differing rights of women and men. Butler had originally studied to be a lawyer (which explains some of the detail in the third part of Hudibras), but made a living variously as a clerk, part-time painter, and secretary before dedicating himself to writing in 1662. Hudibras was immediately popular on the release of its first part, and, like Don Quixote, even had an unauthorized second part available before Butler had finished the genuine one. Voltaire praised the humor, and although Samuel Pepys wasn?t immediately taken with the poem, it was such the rage that he noted in his diary that he?d repurchased it to see again what the fuss was about. Hudibras?s popularity did not fade for many years, and although some of the finer detail of 17th century talking points might be lost on the modern reader, the wit of the caricatures (and a large collection of endnotes) help bring this story to life.

Sommaire:
Hudibras by Samuel Butler is a satirical poem that critiques the religious and political turmoil of 17th-century England, particularly during the English Civil War. The poem is divided into three parts and follows the misadventures of Sir Hudibras, a self-proclaimed knight, and his squire, Ralpho. The narrative begins with a description of Sir Hudibras, highlighting his pretentiousness and lack of true understanding despite his supposed scholarly knowledge. Butler uses Hudibras as a vehicle to mock the Puritans and Presbyterians, portraying them as hypocritical and misguided in their religious zeal. The poem is rich in allusions to classical literature, philosophy, and contemporary events, showcasing Butler's erudition and wit. The first canto introduces Hudibras's character and his misguided sense of chivalry, as he sets out to quell a bear-baiting event, believing it to be his duty to maintain peace. The poem's humor lies in the absurdity of Hudibras's actions and the exaggerated depiction of his character, which serves as a critique of the self-righteousness and folly of those who claim moral superiority. Butler's use of rhymed couplets and clever wordplay adds to the satirical tone, making Hudibras a timeless commentary on the dangers of fanaticism and the absurdities of human nature....