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An Analysis of “A Satire against Reason and Mankind”

An Analysis of “A Satire against Reason and Mankind”. By Elena Farnsworth and Seth Carter. John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester. Born: 1 April 1647 Died: 26 July 1680  at age 33 Probably from syphilis Known for Precociousness Satiric wit Rakish lifestyle

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An Analysis of “A Satire against Reason and Mankind”

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  1. An Analysis of “A Satire against Reason and Mankind” By Elena Farnsworth and Seth Carter

  2. John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester • Born: 1 April 1647 • Died: 26 July 1680 at age33 • Probably from syphilis • Known for • Precociousness • Satiric wit • Rakish lifestyle • Hedonistic and Libertine Ideals

  3. Thesis • Rochester wrote the “Satire” to demonstrate the superiority of the libertine as an individual and the flaws of “wrong” reasoning of his society.

  4. Hedonists and Libertines • Hedonism • The doctrine that pleasure or happiness is the sole or chief good in life • Libertinism • The quality or state of being a person who is unrestrained by convention or morality • Rochester was known as a notable adherent to this philosophy

  5. Libertinism and Hedonism in Classic Literature • What are some other examples of Libertinism or Hedonism in literature?

  6. Discussion • Who is the “I” in this poem? • Rochester? • An individual libertine? • Libertines in general? • “Thus, whilst against false reasoning I inveigh, I own right reason, which I would obey.” • “Your reason hinders, mine helps to enjoy, renewing appetites yours would destroy.” • “This plain distinction, Sir, your doubt secures, ‘Tis not true reason I despise, but yours”

  7. Discussion (continued) • According to Rochester, why are instincts more exalted than reason? • “Reason, which fifty times for one does err.” • “His wisdom did his happiness destroy, Aiming to know that world he should enjoy; and wit was his vain frivolous pretence of pleasing others at his own expense.” • “Those creatures are the wisest who attain by surest means, the ends at which they aim.” Vs.

  8. Discussion (continued) • What were some complaints Rochester had against mankind? • “The senses are too gross, and he’ll contrive a sixth to contradict the other five.” • “Thus I think reason righted, but for man, I’ll ne’er recant, defend him if you can.” • “Leading a tedious life in misery under laborious mean hypocrisy.” • “That lust of power to which he’s such a slave, and for the which alone he dares be brave.” • What do you think this last couplet means? • “If such there be, yet grant me this at least, man differs more from man, than man from beast.”

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