An Essay on Satire

John Sheffield's An Essay on Satire is a significant work in English literature, though its authorship was once attributed to John Dryden. The essay, written in heroic couplets, begins as a critical treatise but evolves into a satire itself. It targets prominent figures of the time, including Charles II and the Earl of Rochester.1

Satire, as an art form, uses ridicule, irony, and parody to expose vices and follies, often with the aim of social reform. While the term can be imprecise, it broadly refers to any creative work that uses sharp humor to critique individuals, institutions, or human nature. The English word "satire" originates from the Latin "satura," meaning "medley," while its derivatives like "satiric" come from the Greek "satyros".234