It is the business of a comic poet to paint the vices and follies of human kind.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A comic poet’s role is to depict human vices and follies.
- In plain terms
- Comic poets show human flaws.
- What can you take from it?
- Use humor to expose and critique human weaknesses.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What vices are most ripe for satire today?
- How can satire inspire change?
Another view
Humor can sometimes trivialize serious issues.
More from William Congreve
Thus grief still treads upon the heels of pleasure; Married in haste, we may repent at leisure.
Permalink to quote #10 Retired to their tea and scandal, according to their ancient custom.
Permalink to quote #12 Men are apt to offend ('tis true) where they find most goodness to forgive.
Permalink to quote #9
Related quotes
I read Hemingway's posthumous Paris memoirs, rumoured to have been written by his wife (`Out of the question,' Toni assured me, `they're so badly written they …
Julian BarnesJulian Barnes quote #1 Kitty: Shikspur? Shikspur? Who wrote it? No, I never read Shikspur. Lady Bab: Then you have an immense pleasure to come.
James TownleyJames Townley quote #1 'I'm an owl; you're another. Sir Critic, good day.' And the barber kept on shaving.
James Thomas FieldsJames Thomas Fields quote #2