The poem "The Height of the Ridiculous" is written by Oliver Wendell Holmes.
It follows an abcb rhyme scheme and includes various figures of speech, such as hyperbole, tautology, onomatopoeia, and alliteration. However, the standout figure of speech is the transferred epithet, as seen in the line "Ten days and nights, with sleepless eye," where the adjective "sleepless" is more appropriately attributed to the man rather than the eye.
This poem is humorous and designed for enjoyment, filled with amusing expressions. The poet’s main goal is to entertain the reader.