Assignment 102- Jonadhan Swifts as a Satirist
Assignment 102- Jonathan Swift as a Satirist
Jonathan Swift as a Satirist :
Table of content:
Personal Information
Introduction
Personal life of Jonathan swift
Education
Jonathan Swift as a Satirist
Work cited
Personal Information:
Name: Kusum J Saravaiya
Batch: M.A.sem 1 (2023-25)
Enrollment Number :
Roll No. : 21
Paper :102 Literature of Neo classical period
Submitted to: smt.S.B.Gardi ,Department of English, M. K. University Bhavnagar
E Mail: kusumsarvaiya2304@gmail.com
Introduction:
Jonathan Swift is regarded as an influential figure in English literature, primarily due to his mastery of satire. Born in 1667, his satirical works, including "Gulliver's Travels," "A Modest Proposal," and "A Tale of a Tub," remain timeless classics. Swift's ability to use humor and irony to critique society, politics, and human behavior set him apart, making his writings thought-provoking and impactful, leaving an enduring mark on English literary tradition.
Swift's impact on literature extends beyond his skillful use of satire. His works challenged societal norms and exposed the flaws of humanity, sparking discussions on political and social issues. His writing style, marked by a sharp wit and a keen eye for detail, influenced subsequent generations of writers and satirists. Swift's ability to blend humor with biting criticism not only entertained but also prompted reflection and debate, shaping the way satire was employed in English literature for years to come.
"satire being leveled at all, is never resented for an offense by any".
- Swift
Personal Life of Jonathan Swift :
Anglo-Irish poet, satirist, essayist, and political pamphleteer Jonathan Swift was born in Dublin, Ireland. He spent much of his early adult life in England before returning to Dublin to serve as Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin for the last 30 years of his life. It was this later stage when he would write most of his greatest works. Best known as the author of A Modest Proposal (1729), Gulliver’s Travels (1726), and A Tale Of A Tub (1704), Swift is widely acknowledged as the greatest prose satirist in the history of English literature.
Swift’s father died months before Jonathan was born, and his mother returned to England shortly after giving birth, leaving Jonathan in the care of his uncle in Dublin. Swift’s extended family had several interesting literary connections: his grandmother, Elizabeth (Dryden) Swift, was the niece of Sir Erasmus Dryden, grandfather of the poet John Dryden. The same grandmother’s aunt, Katherine Dryden, was a first cousin of Elizabeth, wife of Sir Walter Raleigh. His great-great grandmother, Margaret (Godwin) Swift, was the sister of Francis Godwin, author of The Man in the Moone, which influenced parts of Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels.
Swift suffered a stroke in 1742, leaving him unable to speak. He died three years later, and was buried at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin.
Education :
Swift also studied toward his MA before the Glorious Revolution of 1688 forced Jonathan to move to England, where he would work as a secretary to a diplomat. He would earn an MA from Hart Hall, Oxford University, in 1692, and eventually a Doctor in Divinity degree from Trinity College Dublin in 1702.
Jonathan Swift as a Satirist:
Jonathan Swift is identified as an excellent satirist in literature. Satire is a field in the literature that exposes vices, abuses, and other negative behaviors in society humorously or ironically. Specifically, it deals with matters concerning politics and other relevant sections of the society. It is aimed at shaming those individuals, governments of communities practicing that particular behaviour to help instil and achieve positive changes. Swift was experienced and knowledgeable in matters to do with religion, politics, and science enabling him to produce unique writings that made him a genius . His work acted as a good foundation for every other satirist who developed afterwards.
In his novel, he criticized the public figures who were highly involved in the political matter. He had to publish his work under Pseudonyms because of the pressure it brought from the politicians to the citizens. He had a position in the church and this made him close to powerful individuals (Hammond et al, 2016). He used his power to satirize the bad characters in society and people rejected him and this is clearly shown at the end of the novel when his mind
becomes unstable, his situation was worse to an extent of being unable to recognize people so he
had to accept the nature.
The greatest problem Swift was the economy that Ireland had, and he thinks if the citizens were to be pleased then they were to be restrictions of everything except the coal and the people. He criticized the manufactures since they added the prize of goods . Swift satirized revolution impact because of the way the nation conducted its deeds, starting from the religion which was the major aspect which attributed to cultural differences and people had a duty to appreciate others no matter their differences. He criticized the England colonialist for mistreating the Irish people. He was also concerned with the Anglican has they were the fewest and the people lived a poor life while the government together with some individuals ignores their duty.
Satire exposes abuses, vices and negative deeds in the society but humorously or ironically, it mostly deals with politics. The main aim of the satire is for shaming the government or individuals in the society who engage in bad behaviours so that they can change. Swift happens to be the best satirist since he laid the best foundation of the satire from his novel ‘’a Tale of Tub’’, the novel was meant to criticize western Christianity especially the; leaders of the
church.
Swift’s work mocked society as a whole and political matters expressed by the nation and individuals. During his period criticizing public figures and organizations was not a common thing meaning that his work was revolutionary. His work brought several controversies forcing him to publish them under pseudonyms (Lund,20). His famous notes show how he was actively involved in political matters. His position at the church allowed him to interact and be close to powerful individuals.
His work expressed his powerful thoughts, which he wanted the society to see and process it psychologically. Despite having exposed shameful characters in the society towards the end of his work when he became mentally unstable, his writings reflected his rejection for human contact. His mental instability made him reject his closest companions, and he became violent to those who cared for him. From the writings, it is indicated that he could no longer recognize reality; hence, he accepted the nature of human beings.
Work Cited :
“Jonathan Swift.” Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/jonathan-swift.https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/jonathan-swiftAccessed 23 Nov. 2023.
(PDF) Jonthan Swift as Satirist - Researchgate, www.researchgate.net/publication/337951193_Jonthan_Swift_as_Satirist. Accessed 23 Nov. 2023.
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