Poetry · Chapter
The Candidate explained
A satirical poem depicting the courtship of 'Jemmy Twitcher' (a disreputable political figure) with three allegorical sisters—Physic, Law, and Divinity.
What happens
A satirical poem depicting the courtship of 'Jemmy Twitcher' (a disreputable political figure) with three allegorical sisters—Physic, Law, and Divinity. While Physic and Law reject him for his immoral character, Divinity embraces him, arguing that biblical figures also sinned and that repentance justifies his candidacy.
Themes in this chapter
Social Inequality and Justice
The poem exposes the double standards in political and moral judgment, where a corrupt candidate is accepted by religious authority despite his vices.
Melancholy and Reflection
The cynical tone and depiction of moral decay reflect a melancholic view of human nature and societal corruption.
Characters to notice
- Margaret of Anjou
Referenced indirectly through the allegorical figure 'Divinity' who defends Jemmy Twitcher's vices by citing biblical precedents.
Key passages
“When sly Jemmy Twitcher had smugged up his face, With a lick of court white-wash, and pious grimace, A wooing he went, where three sisters of old In harmless society guttle and scold.”
When the cunning Jemmy Twitcher had cleaned up his appearance with a bit of courtly flattery and a hypocritical pious expression, he went courting to three elderly sisters who spend their time eating and arguing.
Introduces the central allegory of the candidate seeking approval from the three allegorical sisters.
“Divinity heard, between waking and dozing, Her sisters denying, and Jemmy proposing; From table she rose, and with bumper in hand, She stroked up her belly, and stroked down her band—”
Divinity, half-asleep, heard her sisters rejecting Jemmy and his proposal; she got up from the table, raised a glass, and adjusted her clothing.
Shows Divinity's casual and unprincipled acceptance of the candidate.
“What a pother is here about wenching and roaring! Why, David loved catches, and Solomon whoring; Did not Israel filch from the Egyptians of old Their jewels of silver and jewels of gold?”
Why all this fuss about womanizing and carousing? King David enjoyed songs, and Solomon engaged in prostitution; didn't the Israelites steal silver and gold from the Egyptians?
Divinity justifies Jemmy's vices by citing biblical figures who also sinned.
“To reject him for such peccadillos, were odd; Besides, he repents—for he talks about God—”
It would be strange to reject him for such minor sins; besides, he repents because he talks about God.
Highlights the hypocrisy of accepting repentance as a mere verbal gesture.
“Never hang down your head, your poor penitent elf, Come buss me—I’ll be Mrs. Twitcher myself. Damn ye both for a couple of Puritan bitches! He’s Christian enough that repents and that stitches.”
Don't be ashamed, you poor repentant creature; come kiss me—I'll be Mrs. Twitcher myself. Damn both of you for being a pair of Puritanical women! He's Christian enough if he repents and sews (or stitches up his reputation).
Divinity's final acceptance of Jemmy, dismissing moral concerns and embracing him despite his flaws.