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 …showed first 75 words of 1521 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1521 total…and wrote his poem in such a way that one couldn't help but laugh at the woman's sometimes silly requests and assertions. Is the rest of society any better than this woman? Betjman seems to be saying no. In the end we all resemble this woman in one way or many others. He is saying that one should examine his own flaws and look at himself before he begins to even think of judging others.