Analysis of the poem In Westmister Abbey by John Betjeman

Frequently, when a poet wishes to criticize a value, person, or characteristic of society, he will write a poem that mocks or pokes fun at that value, person, or characteristic. A good example of such writing is John Betjeman's poem "In Westminster Abbey." In this poem Betjman shows the flaws of the British upper class's thinking and attitudes during World War II by showing the inconstancy and irony within the attitudes of an affluent woman praying in the old church. Betjman uses person, tone and irony effectively in the poem, making his opinion of the woman speaker clear while on a higher…