The history and adventures of an Atom

Synopsis

This is a savage satire of English politics during the Seven Years' War. It appears under the guise of a tale from ancient Japan. Pitt the Younger appears as Taycho, and other politicians, monarchs and nations under a light disguise of made-up names. It includes some comments on Britain's growing problems with its American colonies.

The 'atom' is the supposed narrator, a witness to the events and somehow able to communicate them to modern listeners. Smollett is referring back to the ancient Greek idea of atoms, the ideas of Democritus - though of course he is also being satirical.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_History_and_Adventures_of_an_Atom

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Academic year 2008/2009
© a.r.e.a./Dr.Vicente Forés López
© Zaray García Asensi
garaza@alumni.uv.es