Miniver Cheevy (Magill’s Survey of American Literature, Revised Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: Edwin Arlington Robinson
- First Published: 1910
- Type of Work: Poem
- Genres: Satire, Poetry
- Subjects: Mythology or myths, Alcoholism or alcoholics, Substance abuse, Legends, Folklore, Fantasy, Drinking or drunkenness, Hallucinations or illusions, Heroes or heroism, Renaissance, Middle Ages, Trojan War
“Miniver Cheevy,” which first appeared in Scribner's Magazine and later in The Town Down the River, presents a character whose name suits him. His name sounds as if it belongs to the medieval past that he wishes still existed. His name also satirically hints at his minimal achievements in life. Miniver maintains that he was born too late, that he should have lived many centuries ago. He childishly romanticizes the Greeks’ siege of Troy, Alexander the Great's attack on Thebes, and King Arthur's combat near Camelot, as if such battles were fun. Such mistaken fantasies...
[The entire page is 548 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
See Also
