1. Jonathan Swift
Life, Work, and Legacy

2. “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.”

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.”

11. 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 ...”

12. 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.”

13. 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

14. Satire after Swift
Satire is a commonly used literary device even today
Political Cartoons
Editorials
Satirical News Shows

15. 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

16. Works cited