Bacon, Hogg, Lamb and Shakespeare
Poem Analysis:
James McIntyre’s poem “Bacon, Hogg, Lamb and Shakespeare” is a humorous and satirical reflection on literary fame and the controversy surrounding the authorship of Shakespeare’s works. Through references to four famous literary figures—Francis Bacon, James Hogg, Charles Lamb, and William Shakespeare—McIntyre combines literary discussion with comedy and irony.
The poem begins by praising Francis Bacon as a profound philosopher whose ideas were far ahead of his time. McIntyre then introduces James Hogg, the “Ettrick shepherd bard,” emphasizing the amusing contrast between his humble occupation as a shepherd and his literary fame. Charles Lamb is presented as a gentle and good writer whose works are pleasant and cheerful. These descriptions establish the literary reputation of the three figures before Shakespeare becomes the central subject.
The main comic element appears when McIntyre refers to the theory that Bacon actually wrote Shakespeare’s plays. He jokingly introduces a man in New York who asks what such a discovery would mean “on pork.” This is a pun on Bacon and pork, turning a serious literary controversy into a simple joke. McIntyre continues the satire by saying that such a discovery might increase Bacon’s reputation, but it would be foolish to build Bacon’s fame “on ruins of Shakespeare.” The poet therefore suggests that Shakespeare’s established literary greatness should not be diminished merely to promote another writer.
McIntyre also defends Shakespeare against the idea that a lack of formal university education prevented him from becoming a great writer. Although Shakespeare was not “college bred,” the poem points out that he could learn about ancient history through translations. More importantly, he mixed with people from many different social classes. According to McIntyre, this experience helped Shakespeare create characters and situations that are true to human nature. The statement that Shakespeare wrote “of what he knew” presents his practical experience of life as an important source of his literary power.
The final lines connect Shakespeare’s life with his writing. The reference to wandering and being separated from his wife suggests a connection between the emotional experiences of the poet’s life and the themes expressed in his works. McIntyre uses this personal element to make Shakespeare appear as a real human being rather than merely a famous literary name.
The poem is characterized by humour, irony, wordplay, and simple rhyming couplets. McIntyre discusses a serious literary question but deliberately presents it in a light and accessible manner. His use of the Bacon-and-pork joke is especially effective because it transforms an intellectual debate into ordinary comedy.
“Bacon, Hogg, Lamb and Shakespeare” is both a comic poem and a defence of Shakespeare’s literary reputation. McIntyre acknowledges Bacon’s intellectual greatness but rejects the idea that Bacon’s fame should depend upon taking Shakespeare’s works away from him. The poem ultimately celebrates Shakespeare’s knowledge of human life and suggests that direct experience, observation, and understanding of people can be as important to great literature as formal education.