# Epigraph explained — Don Juan

> Chapter companion for Don Juan by Lord Byron.

## What happens

The epigraph juxtaposes Horace's advice on the difficulty of treating common subjects with originality against Shakespeare's assertion that virtue does not eliminate life's simple pleasures, setting a tone of ironic defiance and worldly wisdom.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Cant

The Shakespeare quote challenges self-righteous moralizing, suggesting that virtue does not negate the enjoyment of life's pleasures, a key satirical target in the poem.

### Satire of Society

The epigraph announces the poem's satirical intent, using classical and Shakespearean authority to justify its irreverent treatment of social and literary conventions.

## Key lines

> Difficile est proprie communia dicere.

It is difficult to treat common subjects in a distinctive way.

_Horace's advice on originality, signaling the poet's challenge in handling familiar themes._

> Dost thou think because thou art virtuous, there shall be no more Cakes and Ale? Yes, by St. Ann; and Ginger shall be hot in the mouth too.

Do you believe that your virtue will eliminate all earthly pleasures? On the contrary, life's enjoyments will persist regardless.

_Shakespeare's defense of pleasure against moral hypocrisy, establishing the poem's tone of worldly skepticism._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/don_juan_se/chapters/epigraph
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/don_juan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/don_juan_se/chapters