cades, and Tissues. (1-4)Swift uses this poem as an indirect satire. It is a fictional narrative in which characters that represent particular points of view are made ridiculous by their own behavior and thoughts, and by the narrator's usually ironic commentary. And away this divine image, the plot quickly turns to illustrate the disgusting imperfection of Celia. The naive Strephon sneaks in to take a look at whatever remains. To his surprise he soon realizes that Celia is a human, and not a perfect or divine creature. As seen clearly after line 10, And first a dirty Smock appeard Strephon isnt exactly happy with his discovery, but he is still optimistic. Next, he finds her comb, various Combs for various Uses/ Filld up with Dirt so closely fixt,/No Brush could force a way betwixt. Here Strephon is just beginning to feel appalled, but this is just the beginning of several disgusting images. The images keep coming, becoming more and more sickeningThe Virtues we must not let pass,Of Celias magnifiying Glass.When frighted Strephon cast Eye ont (59-60).A Glass that can to Sight disclose, The smallest Worm in Celias Nose,And faithfully direct her NailTo squeeze it out from Head to Tail;For catch it nicely by the Head, It must come out alive or dead (63-68).With that quote, there is no surprise that Swifts eighteenth century friend stated that her mother threw up her dinner when she read the poem and that has almost been the reaction from several others (Brown 122). It is clear that The Ladys Dressing-Room has a totally different purpose because it does not supply tables or beds, just a vivid description of an inventory of undergarments and dressing room paraphernalia. The poem was said to be a warning to inexperienced youth. This is seen in the ending with the mock-advice to Strephon, I pity wretched Strephon blind/To all the Charms of Female Kind(129-30). D.H. Lawrence and Aldous Huxley both found the poem shocking, but also fel...
