3 Review(s)

Cibber defends himself with humor, describing Pope as vain, bitter, and overly sensitive to criticism. Cibber recounts personal anecdotes, clever insults, and humorous descriptions to undermine Pope’s attacks, casting himself as a humble, down-to-earth artist in contrast to Pope’s self-seriousness. Cibber suggests that Pope’s obsession with him stems from jealousy and frustration, as Cibber was popular with the public despite Pope’s disdain.With a mix of sarcasm and wit, Cibber emphasizes his success with the general audience, arguing that Pope’s disdain for popular art distances him from the common people. Through this approach, Cibber turns Pope’s critiques into a comedy of manners, where Pope appears petty, pretentious, and out of touch.