Samuel ButlerNon-Fiction · Ancient History·1835–1902
Hudibras
Hudibras
Ongoing series · 1 booksAbout this series
Samuel Butler's satiric poem follows Sir Hudibras, a Presbyterian knight, and his squire Ralpho through misadventures during the English Civil War. This mock-heroic work uses wit and parody to critique religious hypocrisy and political extremism of the era.
Frequently asked questions
What is the historical context of Hudibras?
Hudibras is a satirical poem that directly lampoons the English Civil War and the Puritanical government of the Interregnum period, offering a critical perspective on the political and religious conflicts of its time.
Is Hudibras a complete story or a series of connected narratives?
The work is structured as a mock-heroic poem divided into three parts, each with cantos, which collectively tell a continuous, though episodic, satirical narrative following the titular character's misadventures.
What literary tradition does Hudibras belong to?
Hudibras is a prime example of Restoration-era satire, drawing heavily on the tradition of burlesque and mock-heroic poetry to critique contemporary society and politics through humor and exaggerated characters.