The title of this poem is an example of irony. While the title seems to mean that Mr. Lear is a pleasant person, the poem intentionally has contrasting characteristics. Reflect on the contradiction in the poem.
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Answer:
How Pleasant to Know Mr. Lear” is a poem about the author, Edward Lear, who is being described. His characteristics, throughout the poem, switch constantly from being positive characteristics to negative characteristics.
The poem begins by saying that Mr. Lear is “ill-tempered and queer,” however the next line states that he is pleasant. It then goes on to say that “his mind is concrete and fastidious”, and “his nose is remarkably big.” The contrasting characteristics continue on and on and by the end, we are confused as to what Mr. Lear really is like. I feel that this is where the true meaning of the poem begins to reveal itself.
The title of this poem is an example of irony. While the title seems to mean that Mr. Lear is a pleasant person, the poem intentionally has contrasting characteristics to make us question whether or not it really is pleasant to know Mr. Lear. This seems like the poem is bringing up the issue of identity, where we are unsure as to whether he is pleasant or unpleasant.