Hudibras

Hudibras is a satirical poem by Samuel Butler, first published in 1663, with two sequels appearing in 1664 and 1678. It is a mock-heroic work that lampoons religious zeal, political hypocrisy, and civil conflict in the aftermath of the English Civil War. The narrative follows Sir Hudibras, a pompous knight of the Parliamentarian cause, and his long-suffering squire Ralpho as they encounter a series of foils and pretenders. Through brisk episodes and misadventures, Butler skewers fanaticism, pedantry, and the jargon of zealotry on both sides of the conflict.

Form and style: Hudibras is written in rhymed couplets in iambic tetrameter, a cadence that gave rise to the term hudibrastic verse. The compact, witty lines, rich allusions, and burlesque diction create a satirical voice that targets pretension and hypocrisy rather than any single faction.

Publication history and reception: Part I appeared in 1663, Part II in 1664, and Part III in 1678. The poem achieved wide popularity and had a lasting influence on English satire, shaping the mock-heroic tradition and inspiring later writers. It is celebrated for its inventiveness and sting, though often criticized for partisan bias in its treatment of contemporary politics.

Legacy: Hudibras helped define a mode of satirical verse that weds heroical swagger with sharp social critique. Its linguistic play and episodic wit contributed to a durable tradition of political satire in English literature.