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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"THE FOREIGN ADDRESS: WITH A YO, HO, HO" by Edward Young is a satirical poem that pokes fun at the social and political climate of England in the early 18th century. The poem is structured as a series of mock-letters, purportedly written by foreign ambassadors to their respective governments, detailing the absurdities of life in England. The poem begins with a letter from the French ambassador, who expresses his amazement at the English obsession with tea-drinking and the peculiar customs surrounding it. He notes that even the poorest Englishmen seem to take great pride in their tea-drinking, and that the beverage has become a symbol of national identity. The next letter, from the Spanish ambassador, lampoons the English fascination with fashions and fads, noting that even the most trivial trends can become wildly popular overnight. The ambassador remarks that the English are like "weathercocks," constantly changing their minds and following whatever is in vogue at the moment. Subsequent letters from ambassadors from Italy, Holland, and Portugal continue the satirical tone, poking fun at English politics, religion, and society. Throughout the poem, Young employs a lively and playful rhyming scheme, as well as frequent repetitions of the refrain "yo, ho, ho," to create a sense of lighthearted mockery. Overall, "THE FOREIGN ADDRESS: WITH A YO, HO, HO" is a witty and irreverent poem that captures the spirit of satire and social commentary that was popular in the early 18th century. Through its caricatured depictions of English life and culture, the poem offers a humorous critique of the society in which Young lived, and invites readers to reflect on the absurdities of their own time and place.
Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AN INSCRIPTION FOR DOG RIVER by KENNETH SLESSOR HOW WE BEAT THE FAVOURITE by ADAM LINDSAY GORDON OPPORTUNITY by EDWARD ROWLAND SILL THE GLORIOUS TOUCHDOWN by GEORGE ADE THE WINGLESS VICTORY by WILLIAM HERVEY ALLEN JR. LET ME FORGET by OMA CARLYLE ANDERSON EPISTLE TO MR. POPE: AUTHORS AND CRITICS by EDWARD YOUNG (1683-1765) EPISTLE TO MR. POPE: THE BLACK MILITIA OF THE PEN by EDWARD YOUNG (1683-1765) |
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