Dec 19, 2009

The Biglow Papers | The Biglow Papers

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...

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The Biglow Papers | The Biglow Papers

At a glance:

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