Jonathan Swift The Age of Reason English 12

Jonathan Swift Born in Dublin, Ireland in 1667 and died in 1745 His parents were both English and he was educated in England and Ireland. His father died two months before he was born. JS was a sickly child. He suffered from Meniere’s Disease (Ear disease) which resulted his partial deafness/hard of hearing.

His mother, struggling to raise him, sent him off to Godwin Swift (late husband’s brother). Godwin Swift enrolled his nephew in the Kilkenny Grammar School. Considered one of the best schools in Ireland. At age 14, Swift commenced his undergraduate studies at Trinity College in Dublin. In 1686, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree, and went on to pursue a master's. Not long into his research, huge unrest broke out in Ireland.

Unrest prompted Swift to move to England and start anew. Obtained an appointment with Sir William Temple and worked for there for 10 years. While there, he met Esther Johnson AKA “Stella” (housekeeper’s daughter). 15 years his junior, but they became lifelong lovers.

Finding His Way Visited Ireland twice while working for Temple. First trip, became an ordained minister With Temple’s encouragement, Swift began to write short essays and later books Writing was satirical. Satire- the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues. Writing was out of character for a clergyman, but brilliance was widely acknowledged when his work A Tale of a Tub (1704) was published. A Tale of a Tub satirizes excesses in religion and learning (ironic considering occupation!)

Satire—Laughter as a Weapon Ew! The Decision The Avengers

Ambition and Achievement During Swift’s day, religion was interwoven with politics. When it became known he’s was the author of these satirical writings, the church looked on him negatively and he lost opportunities for advancement. He wanted to be the Bishop of the Church of England, but did not happen. He remained a staunch Anglican supporter regardless. Politics—In 1710, he shifted from Tory party to Whig party to support Queen Anne. He immediately benefited from this. Became lead writer and wrote pamphlets.

Gulliver's Travels Began as an assignment from Scriblerus Club, a group of Swift’s sharp-witted friends. Assignment was to write amusing, imaginary journeys because they knew Swift enjoyed reading travel books. Published in 1726 Actual Title: Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World in Four Parts by Lemuel Gulliver, First a Surgeon, and Then a Captian of Several Ships

Main character, Lemuel Gulliver, travels to imaginary lands – Lilliput—parallels to conflicts between the Church of England and Catholicism – Brobdingnag—parallels to English politics and warfare Juvenalian satire—Targets of satire are seen as corrupt or harmful to society. Writer attempts to harm reputation. More pointed attacks. (Horatian- gentle form of ridicule; lighthearted. Points out general human failings)

Gulliver's Travels Instant triumph. 10,000 copies sold in first three weeks. First publisher was scared to publish text because it was so controversial, so he edited it. Swift was enraged; He later found a new publisher. Still successful today.

Ties to Ireland and A Modest Proposal Swift’s feelings were sharply divided. Strong ties to both countries. Although he never made Bishop, Swift was appointed Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Dublin). Served there for more than 30 years. Fulfilled religious duties in Ireland, but wanted a more prominent position in London.

Cared deeply for the Irish people, and moved to action after seeing the cruel treatment of the Irish by their English overlords. Spent 1/3 of income on Irish charities Wrote several pamphlets on the treatment of the Irish Despite position as Dean of St. Patrick’s, his caustic wit flourished as he wrote A Modest Proposal (1729), which focused on the starvation in Ireland.

Later Years Started to suffer more from ear disease. Long-time love, Esther Johnson died in January 1728, followed by several of Swift’s close friends. In 1742, Swift suffered from a stroke and lost the ability to speak. Died in October 19, Laid next to Esther Johnson.

Swift’s Epitaph He wrote his own epitaph, which still hangs today in St. Patrick's: “The body of Jonathan Swift, Doctor of Sacred Theology, dean of this cathedral church, is buried here, where fierce indignation can no more lacerate his heart. Go, traveler, and imitate, if you can, one who strove with all his strength to champion liberty.” Even in death, humorous.