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Jonathan Swift, 2002.
An analysis of Jonathan Swift, spokesperson of the Irish Nation's life, including a discussion of two of his main works, "The Drapier's Letters" and "A Modest Proposal".
1,779 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Jonathan Swift's life, providing a look at his confusing heritage, his early occupations, and a review of two of his main works, "The Drapier's Letters" and "A Modest Proposal". The paper explains that both these literary works can be dubbed satires, and this essay looks at how these satires helped the "common" person in time of political and economic strife, and took Jonathan Swift to the level of "hero" in Ireland even though he is of English descent. The paper also presents a brief look at the political and economic structure of the time.
From the Paper
"Jonathan Swift, political and social satirist of the Eighteenth Century, unwittingly became the spokesperson of the Irish nation. Although Swift was born of English parents, he was born in Ireland and ultimately lived in Ireland for most of his life, despite spending some of his younger years in England. Swift was a humanitarian angered and horrified by the acts of injustice done to the people of Ireland. From political dependence on England, to severe poverty and starvation, the people of Ireland suffered to find a voice for justice, and Jonathan Swift suffered for a cause. The two found each other and resulted in one of the greatest literary relationships in the history of satire."
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Truth in Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels", 2008.
A discussion of the oscillation between truth and fiction within Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels."
3,148 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the two possible readings of the text of Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels." It discusses how the text oscillates between truth and fiction and how this allows a variety of interpretations and points of view. The paper provides a number of examples from the text of "Gulliver's Travels" in order to illustrate these two points of view.
From the Paper
"What comes first to mind after an examination of the elements of truth and fiction in Gulliver's Travels is the fact that under the apparent truth, there is nothing but a clever counterfeit. The clever counterfeit, however, dissimulates the truth. Gulliver's Travels might look like the collected writings of any discoverer of foreign lands but there is one non-negligible difference. Gulliver's Travels was written by a clergyman in his study. And for such a man, "truth" supposes something universal. The fiction of this man of convictions serves to promote the truth, that is, a system of specific moral values and principles. His is an imaginary philosophic voyage with a didactic aim, proposing moral lessons, meant to be elicited after a close reading of the text. The satiric and/or utopian content is an indirect comment on reality. But on what part of reality? The Lilliputians "suppose Truth [...] to be in every Man's power" (Swift 54). It is likewise in the power of the reader who embarks on a quest, on a search for meaning, and this activity transforms reading itself into a quest for the truth."
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A Reaction to Inaction: Jonathan Swift's 'A Modest Proposal', 2006.
A satirical review of Jonathan Swift's 'A Modest Proposal'.
1,673 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
The paper is a satirical review of Jonathan Swift's novel describing the attitudes of the English gentry towards the Irish citizens. The paper extrapolates the author's thoughts on solutions to Ireland's problems concentrating on the harsh impositions on the Irish peasants. Historically the Irish have been oppressed by the English and the author dwells on this theme throughout the paper. The paper concludes that the book was written to point out the economic and social problems facing the Irish and that it was time for serious examination and change.
From the Paper
"As to Swift's personal feelings towards the poor, we can only assume that he felt compassion. Some critics chose to see this compassion in a different light: "...he mentions that it is a melancholy object for him, having to see homeless people every day, or for the beggars' lifestyle. Upon first reading this, one may be led to believe that Swift is a compassionate writer attempting to feel the pain of the beggars. But as the story continues, a reader can look back and note that he is using a sarcastic tone and the only sad sight that he sees is the fact that people of his status have to deal with commoner" (studyworld.com). Swift makes no mention of not having compassion for the poor; even in the pompous voice that he used in the essay, the poor were still pitied to the point that cannibalism was seen as an alternative to aide in their plight. I think that Swift was trying to point out that not enough people in positions of power had compassion for the Irish and the situation that they found themselves in. There were too many poor to ignore the burgeoning situation, yet there were too few elites who were willing to take a stand on the social injustice and try to do anything about the atrocities that they saw."
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Jonathan Swift: An English Satirist., 2002.
A bio of author Jonathan Swift.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
A brief biographical sketch of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal. Gives details of his political leanings, his relationships with women, his satires, and what his critics have said.
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Jonathan Swift's Satire, 2005.
An analysis of Jonathan Swift's treatment of satire in "Gulliver's Travels".
1,380 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Jonathan Swift's satiric treatment of war in his novel, "Gulliver's Travels" and targets of his satire including political and religious institutions and aspects of human behavior, with numerous examples from the text
From the Paper
" In Gulliver's Travels Jonathan Swift launches an elaborate satire on many aspects of human behavior as well as against the political and religious institutions of his day. His assaults against thinly veiled and therefore easily ..."
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Jonathan Swift's "The Lady's Dressing Room", 2005.
An analysis of Jonathan Swift's poem about a woman in her dressing room that is being spied upon by her lover.
921 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper explains how Jonathan Swift's poem "The Lady's Dressing Room" describes an almost universal role of women: Their self-perception and their perception by others. The paper further points out that the poem is as relevant today as it was when it was written, almost three centuries ago.
From the Paper
"The idealized image of women, promoted equally as strong in Swift's day as in ours, causes problems for both genders. Women become self-absorbed, and men develop unrealistic notions of what women should be like. Through clever wit, satire and sarcasm, Swift points out the problems with unrealistic expectations in his poem. For example, from the "Paste of Composition rare," to the "Ointments good for scabby Chops," the cosmetics of Swift's day largely resemble those in the modern world. Women are the primary consumers of these beauty products. Swift notes, through Strephon's shocked eyes, that women spend an inordinate amount of time using beauty products when beneath it all they are normal, sweaty, stinky human beings. Women have somehow been socialized to expect to be perfect. Moreover, cosmetics are one of the biggest most booming industries in the world today. The industry shows no sign of lagging, which is why Swift's poem appeals equally as well in his time as in ours, and could very well appeal to the future."
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Jonathan Swift, 2006.
A biography of the life and work of the Irish novelist Jonathan Swift.
3,158 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at Jonathan Swift who played many roles within his lifetime as a politician and a patriot, as a satirist and as a clergyman. It looks at how his colorful life and satire could be seen his his various works such as "Gulliver's Travels", "A Modest Proposal" and "Genteel and Ingenious Conversation".
From the Paper
"The work, 'Gulliver's Travels, was published in 1726, and was one of the first works of prose attempted by Jonathan, and although the work was labeled as a children's book, it is in reality a great satire on the times of the day, which most children have failed to understand down the ages. This book, in fact, shows Jonathan's desire to make people delve deeper into issues, and not lie back and take everything for granted, as people did in those days, and when any one reader was indeed able to read deeper into the book, it was possible for him to match all the situations within the book with real current events and affairs and several long-term problems that had been re-occurring in the society."
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'A Modest Proposal' by Jonathan Swift, 2001.
This paper discusses the modest proposal of Jonathan Swift and also discusses arguments, irony and satire in the 18th century.
980 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
A discussion of satire and Jonathan Swift. This paper argues the modesty of 'A Modest Proposal?' It studies how irony works and the similarity to the arrogance of most colonizing races in this book and in the entire world. Finally it concludes that the proposal displays pretentious and idle pomp, through the use of witty ridicule, it is the iconoclast protest against the exploitation of the Irish by the English.
From the Paper
"?A modest proposal?, first published in 1729, is claimed to be one of Jonathan Swifts most drastic satirical pieces , where he suggests that Irish children be fed to wealthy English aristocracy. Swift immediately creates sombre and depressing surroundings caused by begging women and thieving children. From the first paragraph we imagine poverty and famine, which can only be escaped when one emigrates or turns into a professional thief. Before Swift makes the actual proposal, he overemphasizes this state of poverty and the effects it will have on society."
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"A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift, 2006.
A review of Jonathan Swift's famous essay entitled "A Modest Proposal".
928 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 0 sources, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the essay "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift. According to the paper, in this essay, Swift reveals his beliefs about how art is a force that can be used to bring change and that all humans should have an understanding of what the truth is. The paper goes on to say that it is Swift's art that allows him to manipulate the truth for his purposes.
From the Paper
"Swift has artfully prepared the audience by appealing to logic and ethics so that his proposal does not seem so barbaric. The way he states the "truth" of his argument leads the reader to believe that the plan makes sense. "A young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing and wholesome food" (Swift). The audience is supposed to accept this fact as truth and Swift has manipulated his audience in advance to make it seem almost logical. From this point forward, his argument and justification of the plan become increasingly outrageous when read with a sensible eye. However, Swift uses the power of logic to make his truth here seem like the truth. "
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William Wordsworth and Jonathan Swift, 2004.
This paper provides a comparison and contrast of how William Wordsworth and Jonathan Swift both promote changing the world in their writings.
678 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 23.95
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Abstract
The paper compares and contrasts how William Wordsworth and Jonathan Swift promote changing the world in their respective writings. The paper discusses Wordsworth's "Tintern Abbey" and Swift's "Gulliver's Travels."
From the Paper
"Both Jonathan Swift and William Wordsworth are writers who hope to change the world through the ideas and themes expressed in their writings. So too, both authors believe that human beings need to look to a higher authority to bring out the best in human nature. Swift ,a pre-enlightenment writer, believed that humans and institutions are fallible but that the negative tendencies inherent in humans require institutions to undermine these negative impulses; sin, deception, cruelty, vanity etc."
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The Writings of Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope, 2003.
Discusses the misanthropic views of authors Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope in several of their works.
2,413 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the misanthropic (people-hating) tendencies of Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope through the use of Swift's works "Gulliver's Travels" and "A Modest Proposal" and Pope's "The Rape of the Lock". The paper examines the reflection of English society in Gulliver, as well as points out Swift's hatred towards England in "A Modest Proposal". The author also discusses Pope's more subtle misanthropy as seen in certain portions of "The Rape of the Lock".
From the Paper
"?[I] strove to conceal my antipathy against humankind, although it often broke out? (2468) This from Jonathan Swift?s Gulliver?s Travels, a book in which it is obvious that the narrator directly reflects the author?s feelings in many of its passages. Swift and another author of the time, Alexander Pope, often wrote with a penchant for social commentary. While many authors (I daresay most authors) write with a certain amount of political or ideological undertones, Swift and Pope were fairly blatant in their dislike of humanity and its morals (or lack thereof). At least, this seems to be the case in all of the works, by these authors, that I have read thus far. It is not coincidental that Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope were both misanthropic?they were fairly close friends. In a letter to Pope, Swift is said to have wrote that he hated: "?that animal called man? in general, and offering a new definition of the species as not animal rationale (?a rational animal?) but as merely animal rationis capax (?an animal capable of reason?). This, he declared, is the ?great foundation? on which his ?misanthropy? was erected." (2299) Swift and Pope have very different writing styles, but both are extremely critical of mankind. Swift?s Gulliver?s Travels and ?A Modest Proposal? and Pope?s ?Rape of the Lock? are each ripe with scathing social commentaries. These works are particularly illustrative of their respective authors? misanthropic mindsets."
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Jonathan Swift?s ?A Modest Proposal?, 2005.
This paper analyzes Jonathan Swift?s pamphlet, ?A Modest Proposal?, a satirical attack on the English for their inhumane treatment of the Irish in the 18th century.
920 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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This paper explains that Swift effectively parodies the cruel arrogance of the English and the submissiveness of the Irish parliament by presenting a horrific solution in well-reasoned and economically sound terms. The author points out that, instead of direct polemical criticism, Swift uses irony and parody to draw attention to the desperate conditions facing the poor of Ireland. The paper relates that the presenter employs pseudo-scientific statistics to make his argument appear more logical than it really is, thus creating the illusion of scientific certainty and reason by quoting numbers.
From the Paper
"The pamphlet is a bold satire that excites the passion of readers even today, over two hundred years after it was written. Suggesting that the Irish poor eat their babies and thus make them beneficial to society is a point sure to demand attention. It works as a satire because the proposal is made with such a straight and sincere face. The narrator presents himself as a reasonable and humanitarian man."
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Jonathan Swift's Political Stands, 2006.
A discussion of the political and religious views of Jonathan Swift, an 18th century politician and author.
2,551 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
The paper tries to determine Swift's political stance by looking at his personal goals as reflected in his writings. The paper further inspects his religious and political writings and tries to determine if he adhered to the Tory or Whig vision of church and state. The paper concludes with an examination of the reason and driving force behind Swift's political behavior and how it affected his writings.
From the Paper
"To put it simply, party politics in England during the 18th century were practiced in two different camps - Tory and Whig. Globally, the differences of opinion between the two were based on three key topics - (1) the origin of government, (2) the position of the Church in society and (3) the role England was to play in Europe. Thus, the Tories were the high-church party, which upheld the divine rights of kings, defended Anglican orthodoxy and negotiated the peace treaty of Utrecht that ended the Spanish War. The Whigs were the low-church party, supported the theory of contract between rulers and ruled, and decried the Utrecht treaty, which they attempted to block through their majority in the House of Lords. The early ministry of William III was predominantly Tory but it was gradually replaced by the Whigs. Later on, Queen Anne dismissed some Whig ministers, replaced them with Tories and created new Tory peers in order to stop the War of the Spanish Succession. From 1714 on, the Whigs gained in influence and the governments of Walpole and Pelham called themselves "Whigs". However, during the period 1714 - 1760 the Tories retained a considerable presence in the Commons."
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The Satire of Jonathan Swift, 2002.
This paper analyzes the works "Predictions for the year 1708" and "The Accomplishment of the First of Mr. Bickerstaff?s Predictions" by Jonathan Swift.
1,334 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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The writer discusses the way in which Swift used a variety of satirical techniques, such as incongruity, sarcasm and exaggeration, in order to capture the deception of almanac-makers and astrologists who pretended to make accurate predictions of the forthcoming year in their annual publications. The paper brings examples from Swift's works to illustrate how his satire was successful through the use of realism.
From the Paper
"A versatile satirist, Swift considered it his duty to attack signs of "sin and folly" (qtd. in Mayhew 271). In "Predictions," under the guise of his creation, Mr. Bickerstaff, Swift pinpointed the vagueness and ambivalence of the almanac-makers? predictions that could be interpreted as accurate in any circumstance. For example, according to Bickerstaff, a prediction such as "This Month a certain great Person will be threatened with Death, or Sickness," did not require any astrological skills since there were many old distinguished people who were bound to die during the "sickliest Season of the Year" (Swift 427). Furthermore, it is also likely that Swift targeted the almanac-makers because of their important position in the eyes of rich and prominent Gentlemen in the country. These gentlemen who held the reins of power in Parliament actually anticipated the occurrences of public events by using these almanacs. Others allowed their engagements to be dictated by the predictions (Swift 427)."
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"Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift, 1991.
This paper discusses the satiric purpose revealed by the vision in "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift on both symbolic and literal levels.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 7 sources, $ 47.95
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From the Paper
"Gulliver's Travels, by Jonathan Swift, was first published in 1726. It is concerned with the English surgeon Lemuel Gulliver and his fantastic journeys around the globe. In four books, Swift tells of Gulliver's adventures among little people, giants, irrational scientists, and a society of horses. Obviously, Gulliver's Travels was written with the intention of creating an entertaining work of fiction. However, Swift's vision in this novel also has a satiric purpose to it. In this regard, the events which occur during Gulliver's adventures take place on a symbolic as well as a literal level. One of the things that Gulliver's Travels is meant to satirize is the genre of "travel literature" which was popular during Swift's time. Examples of this genre include the traveler's tales of William Dampier in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, ... "
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