John Gay

John Gay (1685-1732)

1. Born in the 18th Century London.
2. Poet and ballad lyric writer.
3. Works:
   1. Wine:
      1. A parody
   2. Mahawks:
      1. His first play.
   3. The Wife of Bath
   4. Rural Sports 1713
      1. An evocation work that described in detail the country side and dealt with hunting and fishing.
      2. This poem is dedicated to Alexander Pope, his supporter and close friend.
   5. The Shepherd Week 1714
      1. His first success.
      2. A series of six mock classical poems  drown from rural English life.
      3. The purpose of Writing this poem was to mock the Arcadian pastorals of Ambrose Philips.
   6. Trivia or The Act of Walking on The Streets of London 1716
      1. The poem was highly appreciated for the vivid description of London.
   7. The Beggar’s Opera:
      1. His ballad opera
      2. Parodied the King’s government and his Chief Minister Robert Walpole.