The Biglow Papers (Masterplots, Revised Second Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: James Russell Lowell
- First Published: 1848
- Type of Work: Poetry, with editorial prose
- Principal Characters: Hosea Biglow, Birdofredum Sawin, Homer Wilbur, A.M.
- Genres: Satire, Poetry, Epistolary literature
- Subjects: Politics, Abolitionists, Nineteenth century, New England, Civil War, Politicians, Presidents, Mexican-American War
The Biglow Papers is political satire, and, as such, cannot be understood or appreciated until the reader is acquainted, first, with the policies and ideas being satirized and, second, with the conditions of publication. In short, like all satire, it must be seen in their historical perspective before it can be evaluated.
There are two series of The Biglow Papers. The first is an attack, from the Whig-Abolitionist point of view, on the Mexican War and the policies of President James Polk and the proslavery forces that authorized it; the second—all but the last...
[The entire page is 1803 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
See Also
