Hudibras, in Three Parts, Written in the Time of the Late Wars Part 1

Part 1 introduces Sir Hudibras, a self-righteous Puritan knight, and his squire Ralpho, as they embark on absurd moral crusades. Their adventures parody the fanaticism and hypocrisy of the English Civil War era. Through witty rhymes and sharp satire, Butler mocks religious extremism, blind zeal, and the contradictions of so-called moral reformers. The Canto structure allows him to explore different aspects of hypocrisy and folly in society. Overall, this section portrays Hudibras as a symbol of misguided virtue and human absurdity.