Heroic Couplets in John Dryden's "Mac Flecknoe"

Dryden's poem "Mac Flecknoe" functions as a satire of Thomas Shadwell, another playwright of the time. The poem is written in heroic couplets, or rhyming couplets in iambic pentameter. This form of writing comes across as more whimsical and light-hearted than other forms, with its sing-songy rhyming lines. This services Dryden in "Mac Flecknoe" by enabling him to establish a setting as far-fetched as "the realms of Nonsense" and to satirize Shadwell so harshly without negative repercussions (Dryden 6).

The basic premise of "Mac Flecknoe" involves this so-called character of Mac, who refers to Shadwell, taking over in "[governing]... all the realms of Nonsense" (4, 6). In this nonsense world, Shadwell is considered the perfect ruler because he is " 'Mature in dullness' " and " 'stands confirmed in true stupidity' " (16, 18). Upon taking his throne, Shadwell "[swears]... / That he til death true dullness [will] maintain" and in his "realm's defence / Ne'er to have peace with wit, nor truce with sense" (114-115, 116-117). Obviously, such a society which disvalues traditional forms of writing, willing that "Thy Tragic Muse [give] smiles, they Comic sleep..." and "Thy inoffensive satires never bite", is hard to believe (198, 200). Indeed, such a world where witty and worthwhile writing is actually condemned and dull, pointless writing is extolled is unbelievable enough to make a reader turn away from the poem entirely, discounting the points that Dryden is trying to make. The form of the heroic couplet, however, gives the poem a more whimsical feel; in a sense, Dryden seems to be nodding towards those who say that his world is too unbelievable, acknowledging that it is obviously an exaggerated setting. As a result, the reader no longer has to analyze the setting and take it so seriously, but can admit that it's not supposed to be realistic, and then move on to analyize greater themes of the poem.

In addition, "Mac Flecknoe" is a rather harsh satire on one of Dryden's contemporaries, Shadwell. Dryden harshly criticizes Shadwell's works, claiming that the author can "teach... / Pangs without birth, and fruitless industry" (147-148). Dryden also denounces Shadwell, saying that "[his] mind / By which one way, to dullness, 'tis inclin'd / Which makes [his] writings lean on one side still" (189-191). Normally, Dryden could receive harsh retribution in response to such a poem, or be criticized for his heartlessness in attacking another playwright. The carefree, playful tone brought by the use of heroic couplets, however, gets Dryden off the hook in that it makes his satire look more like playful jest than serious criticism. Therefore, Dryden can still express his distaste for Shadwell and his work in a way that readers can comprehend, but at the same time, doesn't make himself look like such a bad guy.