Citt and Bumpkin (1680)
Written by Roger L'Estrange
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Themes, characters and key ideas in Citt and Bumpkin (1680), written by Chaptra AI.
- about 8 hours
- advanced
- satirical
- political
- ironic
Sir Roger L'Estrange's "Citt and Bumpkin" is a biting political satire from 1680, set against the tumultuous backdrop of Restoration England and the Popish Plot. Structured as a lively dialogue between Citt, a shrewd London citizen, and Bumpkin, a guileless rural counterpart, the work dissects the pervasive political corruption and manipulation of public opinion. Through their candid discussion in a tavern, the characters expose the dishonest tactics used to promote petitions, highlighting the stark contrast between urban political cunning and rural naiveté. The satire cleverly critiques not only the characters' immoral behaviors but also the broader societal implications of political dissent, religious tensions, and the contested nature of governmental authority in a deeply divided nation.
“"Why, Citt, these petitions of yours in London, they fly like wildfire, whilst we in the country scarce get a dozen honest hands!"”
Key themes
- Political Corruption and Manipulation
- This is the central theme, explored through the characters' candid discussion of their dishonest tactics in gathering support for petitions. The work exposes how public opinion is manufactured, how truth is distorted, and how individuals are coerced or misled for political gain, reflecting a deep cynicism about the integrity of the political process during the Restoration.
- The Impact of the Popish Plot
- The Popish Plot, a fabricated conspiracy that gripped England, serves as the crucial historical backdrop, fueling the anxieties and divisions that the characters exploit. The satire implicitly or explicitly references how the widespread fear of Catholicism and perceived threats to the Protestant establishment are leveraged by political actors to advance their agendas, demonstrating the power of fear in political mobilization.
- Religious and Governmental Authority
- The dialogue implicitly explores the contested nature of authority in Restoration England, where the power of the monarchy, Parliament, and the established church were under constant scrutiny and challenge. The petitioning process itself is a means of asserting or challenging authority, and the characters' methods reflect the struggle to control the narrative surrounding who holds legitimate power and how it should be exercised.
Worth discussing
How does L'Estrange use the dialogue structure to both reveal and critique political manipulation?
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