The Dunciad

"The Dunciad" is a satirical poem by Alexander Pope that humorously criticizes the decline of literary and cultural standards in 18th-century Britain. It portrays a distorted world where ignorance, mediocrity, and incompetence triumph over talent and virtue, symbolized by the rise of “dunces” (fools). Pope mocks various authors, critics, and intellectual trends, exposing the pretentiousness and corruption he sees in society. Through sharp wit and irony, the poem offers a commentary on the importance of genuine learning and moral integrity, warning against the triumph of foolishness and superficiality in cultural life.