Summary:
“Cassinus and Peter” is a satirical poem written by Jonathan Swift, known for his sharp wit and irony. The poem is structured as a dialogue between two scholars, Cassinus and Peter, who engage in a dramatic conversation. The central theme of the poem revolves around a mock-tragic reaction to a seemingly trivial event. Cassinus, a scholar, is deeply distressed and overcome with grief, leading Peter to assume that a major disaster or personal loss has occurred. However, as the conversation unfolds, it is revealed that the cause of Cassinus’s despair is nothing more than his mistress losing her virginity. Through exaggerated expressions of grief and despair, Swift mocks the overreaction of scholars and critiques the societal attitudes towards chastity, morality, and honor. The poem parodies classical tragedy, using dark humor, irony, and satire to highlight the foolishness of excessive lamentation over minor issue
10
Score: 0
Attempted: 0/10
Subscribe
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | Cassinus and Peter |
| Poet Name | Jonathan Swift |
| Year Written | Early 18th century |
| Main Themes | Satire, exaggeration, morality, misplaced priorities |
| Literary Devices | Irony, humor, parody, dialogue |
| Tone | Mock-tragic, humorous, satirical |
| Criticism | Scholars’ tendency to overreact, societal obsession with chastity |
| Swift’s Message | People often make a big deal out of trivial matters |