Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Henry Austin Dobson's "La Bonne Comedie" pays homage to the quintessential role of comedy in theatre and life, emphasizing its enduring value. Rooted in a historic perspective, the poem echoes the views of a "simple old Critic" who praises Moliere's work, reinforcing that comedy at its best is neither superficial nor inconsequential, but a true reflection of society's mores.

"True Comedy circum praecordia ludit -- / It warms the heart's cockles," the poem begins, suggesting that the essence of comedy lies in its ability to touch the heart. The Latin phrase "circum praecordia ludit," loosely translated as "plays around the heart," captures the poem's core argument: that comedy, when done well, engages with deeply rooted human emotions. The speaker elaborates that a comedy that makes "the House merry" serves its purpose fully, signaling its effectiveness through the laughter and joy it brings to the audience.

The poem enumerates the virtues of "True Comedy": it criticizes vice, mocks foolishness, and exposes pretensions. In this sense, it serves as a moral corrective, aligning itself with the comedic ideals of Aristotle, Terence, and Plautus. Dobson portrays comedy as an art form that is enduring in its rules and effects, its mission to neither overly "praise nor blame" but to employ "Ridicule" as a weapon to bring "Folly" into the limelight. Comedy, in this view, serves as a mirror reflecting society's imperfections, and in doing so, fosters collective self-awareness.

While outlining the characteristics of good comedy, Dobson also takes the opportunity to celebrate its masters, such as Moliere (Jean-Baptiste Poquelin) and Coquelin. The poem concludes by stating that true comedy "clears out the cobwebs; it freshens the air," invoking the idea that it is not just an entertainment form but a vital social instrument. In this sense, comedy is not a diversion but a form of enlightenment that empowers audiences to recognize the foibles and shortcomings in themselves and their societies.

"La Bonne Comedie" encapsulates the enduring power of comedy as a genre. It lays out the criteria for what makes comedy resonate across eras and cultures. While the style and context may differ, the fundamentals remain constant: to illuminate human folly through laughter, to critique while entertaining, and to stand as a testimony to the enduring value of this genre. Through its historical references and eloquent argument, Dobson's poem reinforces the critical role comedy has played, and continues to play, in shaping social and ethical discourse.

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