Jonathan Swift Life, Work, and Legacy

“Satire is a sort of glass wherein beholders do generally discover everybody's face but their own; which is the chief reason for that kind reception it meets with in the world, and that so very few are offended with it.”

Early Life Born November 30, 1667 in Dublin, Ireland Grew up fatherless Mother struggled financially Adopted by Uncle Godwin Swift Member of respected professional attorney & judges group Swift found it difficult to Sickly as a child; Meniere’s Disease Caused nausea and difficulty hearing

Education Age 14 - Graduated from Trinity College (1686) Received a M.A. from Oxford by “special grace” (1692) Temple enabled him to study there Awarded a D.D. from Dublin University

Later years Returned to Ireland once Tories began losing power Became Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin Engaged in several romantic relationships Esther Johnson, Esther Vanhomrigh, Anne Long Many of his friends died 1742: had a stroke and lost ability to speak Died October 19, 1745 Buried beside Esther Johnson

Society and Swift Huge unrest in Ireland Glorious Revolution of 1668 The king of Ireland, England, and Scotland being overthrown Swift moved to England to start anew Began to work with Sir William Temple who trusted him and assigned him important political tasks.

Context for Swift’s Style Pamphlets used to discuss political opinions and grievances Swift mocked their style in his own writing to show the futility of both the reasoning and ideas presented in these pamphlets

Works First political pamphlet: A Discourse on the Contests and Dissentions in Athens and Rome 1704: A Tale of a Tub and The Battle of the Books criticized religion (Church of England) & pride built reputation; offered editor position of Examiner 1726: Gulliver’s Travels storyline points to historical events in his life best work- hasn’t been out of print since first run

Works 1729: “A Modest Proposal” he suggests that the children of the Irish poor be put to good use providing sustenance to the rich English response to worsening conditions in Ireland last essay about Ireland

Excerpts “There is likewise another great advantage in my scheme, that it will prevent those voluntary abortions, and that horrid practice of women murdering their bastard children, alas! too frequent among us, sacrificing the poor innocent babes, I doubt, more to avoid the expense than the shame, which would move tears and pity in the most savage and inhuman breast.”

Excerpts ”I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled ...”

Excerpts “I profess, in the sincerity of my heart, that I have not the least personal interest in endeavouring to promote this necessary work, having no other motive than the publick good of my country, by advancing our trade, providing for infants, relieving the poor, and giving some pleasure to the rich. I have no children, by which I can propose to get a single penny; the youngest being nine years old, and my wife past child-bearing.”

Satire Literary device used to point out flaws in an idea/organization using comedic devices such as ridicule hyperbole irony Used as a tool to foster public debate and change

Satire after Swift Satire is a commonly used literary device even today Political Cartoons Editorials http://www.thecrimson.com/article/1961/10/30/a-sane-policy-pto-the-editors/ Satirical News Shows http://thecolbertreport.cc.com/videos/63ite2/the-word---truthiness

Your Turn! You’ll have 5 minutes to complete the following task Identify a problem in the world around you Write a short satirical essay/speech about the issue Present your satire to a partner and ask them to summarize the rational idea. The goal is to use comedy and satire to shine light on an important issue

Works cited http://www.thecrimson.com/article/1961/10/30/a-sane-policy-pto-the-editors/ http://www.victorianweb.org/previctorian/swift/chron.html http://www.biography.com/people/jonathan-swift-9500342