Literary notes about lampoon (AI summary)
In literature, lampoon functions as a satirical instrument designed to mock and criticize figures or institutions through witty, exaggerated portrayals. Writers often employ it to undermine the reputations of public figures and societal norms by highlighting and distorting their foibles, as when an author ridicules a clergyman or a political authority in biting verse [1], [2]. The use of lampoon ranges from the covert placement of derogatory inscriptions intended to shock or amuse, to more elaborate literary constructions that combine biting humor and poetic rendition [3], [4]. Its versatility is evident in instances where the lampoon takes on a self-referential tone, serving both as a personal critique and a broader commentary on cultural or political issues [5]. Even when the lampoon appears in a spirited manner for public entertainment—such as through humorous periodicals—it retains its sharp edge as a form of defiant social critique [6], [7].
- Soon in all the coffeehouses was handed about a brutal lampoon on the courtly prelates whose pens the King had employed.
— from The History of England, from the Accession of James II — Volume 2 by Macaulay, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron - Thus if the Romans lampoon only in the dark, the fault is to be charged against their rulers rather than themselves.
— from The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 06, No. 36, October, 1860 A Magazine Of Literature, Art, And Politics by Various - Of his lampoon upon Dean Aldrich, [Smith was a Christ-Church man], I once heard a single line too gross to be repeated.
— from Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776 by James Boswell - In his lampoon on Garnesche, Skelton describes his adversary as being more deformed and uglier than “Of Mantryble the bryge Malchus 14 the murryon.”
— from The Romaunce of the Sowdone of Babylone and of Ferumbras His Sone Who Conquerede Rome - Besides all this, he had the impudence to pen what he meant for a lampoon upon himself, (Mr. Crab,) and the temerity to style him “an ass.”
— from The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven Edition by Edgar Allan Poe - Harvard Lampoon. ~A Paradox.~ 'Tis a curious fact, but a fact very old; You can keep a fire hot by keeping it coaled.
— from Cap and GownA Treasury of College Verse - If any could be shewn, it must have been for the freedom used by the author, and not for any novelty in his lampoon.
— from The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Complete by Suetonius
