Satyr Against Mankind

"A Satyr Against Mankind" (1675) is a significant work by John Wilmot, 2nd earl of Rochester. This poem is a powerful example of satire, a literary form that uses ridicule and mockery to expose and criticize human vices and follies.

The poem specifically targets rationalism and optimism, contrasting them with human deceit and foolishness. It also draws a comparison between human failings and the perceived instinctive wisdom of the animal world. This approach aligns with the broader tradition of Menippean satire, which often mixes prose and verse and employs unusual settings to convey its message. Rochester's work is considered a notable contribution to English satiric poetry during the Restoration period.123