Final answer:
The poem "Mac Flecknoe" serves to satirize Thomas Shadwell and uses a mock-heroic structure, along with strategic word placement and repetition, for maximum satirical effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of "Mac Flecknoe" is to satirize a fellow poet, Thomas Shadwell, who was seen by the author, John Dryden, as an unworthy successor to the throne of poetry. The poem's structure contributes to this purpose by using a mock-heroic form, which elevates Shadwell's mediocrity through exaggerated comparison to epic heroes. Mac Flecknoe utilizes a coronation ceremony to lampoon Shadwell, creating a satirical effect by mimicking the grandeur of a real elevation to kingship and contrasting it with the triviality and incompetence of the character being crowned.
Lines in Mac Flecknoe often begin with repetitions, drawing attention to Dryden's criticism and underscoring Shadwell's perceived shortcomings. The arrangement of words and line lengths serves not only to enhance the poem's rhythm but to emphasize key aspects of the satire, with line beginnings and endings playing a crucial role. By using these structural elements, the poem effectively conveys its mockery through the careful placement of words for maximum satirical effect.