Colley Cibber
A Letter from Mr. Cibber to Mr. Pope
"A Letter from Mr. Cibber to Mr. Pope" by Colley Cibber is a satirical letter written in the early 18th century. The work is a response to the famous poet Alexander Pope, defending Cibber's character against the critiques and mockery presented in Pope's writings, notably in the "Dunciad." The text delves into the long-standing enmity between the two men and provides insight into the contentious literary landscape of the time, reflecting on themes of reputation, criticism, and the nature of artistic rivalry. The opening of the letter reveals Cibber engaging directly with Pope, addressing the satirical barbs that have been directed at him. Cibber expresses his curiosity about why Pope feels compelled to mention him so frequently and provides a defense of his character and works against Pope’s accusations of being a ‘Dunce.’ Throughout this section, Cibber alternates between humor and pointed criticism, effectively using wit to question Pope's motivations and pretensions. He elaborates on specific instances of Pope's attacks, especially focusing on their shared history in the theatrical and literary world, setting the stage for the larger discourse on their feud and the nature of fame in an era that scrutinized public personas intensely.