Poetry · Chapter
Censor Literarum explained
The narrator addresses Parson Stebbins, criticizing his hypocrisy in condemning the press while relying on it for his own fame and influence.
What happens
The narrator addresses Parson Stebbins, criticizing his hypocrisy in condemning the press while relying on it for his own fame and influence. The poem defends the press against clerical censure, pointing out the parson's own imperfections and suggesting a higher court of judgment.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption
The narrator accuses Parson Stebbins of hypocrisy, pointing out his own imperfections while he judges the press.
Art and Criticism
The poem is a defense of the press as an institution, critiquing the critic (the parson) and asserting the value of journalistic work.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The narrator speaks directly to Parson Stebbins, defending the press and critiquing clerical hypocrisy.
Key passages
“So, Parson Stebbins, you’ve released your chin To say that here, and here, we press-folk ail.”
So, Parson Stebbins, you have spoken out to claim that we in the press are flawed.
The narrator begins by addressing the parson's criticism of the press.
“Sir, what were you without the press? What spreads The fame of your existence, once a week, From the Pacific Mail dock to the Heads, Warning the people you’re about to wreak Upon the human ear your Sunday freak?”
Sir, what would you be without the press? It spreads news of your weekly sermons from the docks to the headslands, alerting people that you are about to inflict your Sunday eccentricities upon them.
The narrator argues that the parson relies on the press for his own fame and audience.