But then there is the purpose beyond that of the mere parody.

Prudish women have to be laughed at, and despotic kings, and parasite lords and bishops.

The ludicrous alone is but poor fun; but when the ludicrous has a meaning, it can be very effective in the hands of such a master as this.
"He to die!" resumed the bishop.

"He a mortal like to us! Death was not for him intended, though _communis omnibus_.
Keeper, you are irreligious, for to talk and cavil thus!" So much I have said of the manner in which Thackeray did his work, endeavouring to represent human nature as he saw it, so that his readers should learn to love what is good, and to hate what is evil.

As to the merits of his style, it will be necessary to insist on them the less, because it has been generally admitted to be easy, lucid, and grammatical.