COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY STUDIES IN ENGLISH
AND COMPARATIVE LITERATURE
About This Book
This dissertation examines Byron's satiric verse, presenting a working definition of the satiric spirit and narrowing its field to non-dramatic poetry. It surveys forms and methods—formal/classical satire, mock-heroic, epigram, political ballad, fable, and burlesque—and argues for inclusion of invective where appropriate. The study analyzes the distinctive temper and techniques of Byron's satire, traces influences including Italian models, classifies individual poems by intention and manner, and considers the interplay of humor, denunciation, and aesthetic quality while excluding biographical narrative and works judged unliterary to focus on critical and stylistic features of his verse-satire.