The whiskey demon or The dream of the reveller
The Whiskey Demon, or The Dream of the Reveller is a satirical poem written by Charles Mackay, originally published in 1860. A heavy drinker, after a night of excessive whiskey consumption, experiences a vivid dream of a demonic figure, the "Whiskey Demon," who embodies the destructive consequences of his alcoholism, essentially serving as a cautionary tale about the perils of overindulgence in alcohol.
Illustrated by Watts Phillips, the poem can be interpreted as a social commentary on the prevalent issue of alcoholism, criticizing the culture of excessive drinking and its harmful consequences. While satirical, the poem ultimately has a moralizing tone, warning against the dangers of overindulgence and urging the reader to find moderation.
A spectre haunts a party of revellers
Print captioned "The Reveller" and showing a cloaked figure holding a glass, hovering over people seated at a bar
A demon on horseback rides over a mob of drinkers
Print captioned "The Demon Cask O'Whisky" and showing a man with scythe, feathered hat, and cask of whiskey riding a horse over a crowd of people
The five drops of whisky that lead from pleasure to violence
Print captioned "The Five Drops" and showing the imagined effects of consuming whiskey
The central narrative is the drunken man's dream where he encounters a grotesque, menacing demon, "the Whiskey Demon," who is a personification of his addiction, appearing with a twisted face and a body made of liquor bottles. The poem uses vivid imagery to illustrate the destructive effects of alcohol, like the demon's fiery eyes, the stench of the liquor, and the chaotic, disorienting dream landscape.
Demon watches time run out for drinkers
Print captioned "The Demon's Hourglass" and showing a demon looking over an hourglass, down at people drinking alcohol
A bar as seen as a demon's house
Print captioned "The Demon's House" and showing a demon looking down on people drinking alcohol
Roads to the hospital, workhouse, and jail that awaits the drinker
Print showing images of the potential consequences of intemperance
SOURCE: Mackay, C. (1860). The whiskey demon: or, The dream of the reveller / by Charles Mackay ; illustrated by Watts Phillips. William P. Nimmo ; Simpkin, Marshall & Co., 1860.