In Dryden's Mac Flecknoe, dullness is the defining trait of the "hero" of the mock epic, and decay is employed as a theme and weapon within the poem, underlined mostly as a decay of humor as the orator dangles his victim and his reputation from his rhetorical noose. As a mock epic, the poem displays the themes and motifs of an epic ballad – with an intertwining of satire and persecution for the subject – in this case, Thomas Shadwell. The very function of the poem is an attack on the dullness that is synonymous with the decay of intelligent humor and Shadwell's lack of appreciation for wit, an argument made possible by Dryden's persuasive satirical aphorism which, in truth, is little more than entertaining, literary propaganda and belittling. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Before Mac Flecknoe: A Satyr upon the Trew-Blue-Protestant Poet TS was written or published, John Dryden and Thomas Shadwell were guilty of what is likely a prolonged series of disagreements ending in an argument resulting in a 'heated mock epic that was published only several years after it was written. The two are known to disagree on a number of topics including (but not limited to) their views on the genius of Ben Jonson, their interpretations of humor, comedy and wit, their separate views on value of rhyme and, of course, the value of Shadwell's work. Not least, however, is that Shadwell is known to have considered himself the heir of the poet Ben Jonson, something Dryden strongly disagreed with, as the quality of Shadwell's poetry is hardly comparable to that of his "predecessor" – and both the men firstly had different opinions about their previous colleague. These minor details form the premise of Dryden's poem and open the door to humor in the face of insult by considering Mac Flecknoe's maneuvers. Keeping his contemporary's claims in mind, Dryden uses them to write a ballad of praise as the next to ascend the throne in a line of decaying intellect, creative or otherwise. Written in heroic couplets, the poem carries with it a lyrical quality – an underscore for an argument he had with Shadwell over rhyme and an expression of decay regarding his victory or ability to protest Dryden's argument; a breakdown of the influence. Shadwell is nursed to burial under the weight of Dryden's stubbornly dense and princely caricature of a Flecknoe heir – for whom Dryden is also known to have harbored an expressed dislike as a poet. Which son, he reflects, is better suited to “fight an immortal war with spirit (Dryden, 12),” than Shadwell, who alone bears his perfect image as “Mature in dullness from his tender years. . . [he] who is confirmed in full stupidity (16-18). "The opening of the epic brazenly introduces the theme of decadence as "All human things are subject to decay," and sets the intention of literary propaganda by continuing with “And when fate calls, monarchs must obey (1-2 )”, which also highlights the decay of one generation. With the passing of a monarch, the line decays further into tedium. Decay in the form of one generation fading into the next is best painted in the image of a coronation wherein, "instead of Ball," the heir is gifted with "a mighty tankard of mighty Ale (120-121)." Instead of being given the royal ball and scepter, Shadwell is given the common drink, his influence suggestively diluted by the stagnation necessitated by the fermentation of weak and familiar beer Perhaps Dryden even stands..