2. A literary work in which human vice or folly is attacked through irony, derision, or wit.
Irony, sarcasm, or caustic wit used to attack or expose folly, vice, or stupidity.
~American Heritage Dictionary

3. Abolishing Christianity in England
feared that the Irish Anglican Church would be disestablished
concerned that Catholicism would reign once again

4. influential series of satirical pamphlets
boycott English goods
reject new copper coinage
overpopulation and starvation in Ireland

5. through style writing must be simple: “proper words in proper places”
Showed a concern for purity and propriety (respect) of the English language
For exactness and vigor of expression, Swift’s writings are unexcelled.

6. Three levels to understand Swift
1. entertainment
2. political (the underlying tone)
3. philosophical (his general view of mankind)

7. to depict human nature in all its general and particular, moral and physical, repulsiveness – the worst in human nature
He satirizes man’s irrationality and physical appearance (Juvenalian)
Story begins with a bio sketch of Gulliver

8. “I have ever hated all nations, professions, and communities, and all my love is toward individuals ”
“I hate and detest that animal called man, although I heartily love John, Peter, Thomas, and so forth ”

9. “Upon this great foundation of misanthropy [hatred of mankind]
“Upon this great foundation of misanthropy [hatred of mankind] the whole building of my Travels is erected, and I never will have peace of mind till all honest men are of my opinion.”
~ Jonathan Swift

10. rival political parties
the Tramecksan "High-Heels"
the Slamecksan "Low-Heels“
"High-Heelers" are the Tories
"Low-Heelers" are the Whigs

11. rival religious parties
"Big-Endians" represent the Catholics.
"Small-Endians" represent the Protestants.
rival nations
Blefuscu is France.
Lilliput is England.