Jonathan Swift Was One of The Greatest Satirists

Introduction

Jonathan Swift was one of the greatest satirists of his time, becoming a national hero of Ireland. After Swift was initially forgotten by Ireland, he made a significant return by defending Ireland from English rule. As noted by Ward, "First, there was The Drapier's Letters to the People of Ireland (1724), which caused the king of England, the prime minister, and the Parliament to back down from the insult to the people of Ireland in the proposed coining of William Wood's copper halfpence" (Ward, 2023).

Swift's Impact on Ireland

The quote above illustrates the beginning of Jonathan Swift's profound impact on Ireland, where he indirectly challenged the monarchy. Insulting the king of England by highlighting his flaws was a significant achievement. For instance, Swift's work A Modest Proposal exemplified the idea that children of Ireland were being overworked. As Ward (2023) points out, "Which employed shock technique to apprise the Irish people of the fact that slaughtering and dressing infants for the dinner tables of English absentee landlords were really little different from prevailing conditions, which allowed them to die of starvation." This powerful satire forced people to reflect on their dire living conditions compared to those depicted in the satire. The Parliament, aware of the growing spread of Swift's work, retreated before facing public backlash.

Gulliver's Travels and its Legacy

Gulliver's Travels was created towards the end of Swift's career, yet it remains one of his most famous works. The conclusion of Gulliver's Travels reveals how Gulliver discovered the potential for humankind to devolve if they made poor choices, particularly when desires and greed overshadow reason. Swift wrote Gulliver's Travels anonymously, and yet people believed he was a real person, with some even claiming to know him well. Swift was also influenced by the era, evolving his thought process after growing up in the challenging environment of Ireland. As the New Catholic Encyclopedia notes, "His early education in school included a rigorous Anglican training, as did his undergraduate years in College, Dublin. There he did well in literature but badly in the barren, abstract philosophy of the period (with its heavy emphasis on logic)" (New Catholic Encyclopedia, 2023). Swift was greatly influenced by the schools he attended and the people he encountered. However, what likely drove him to create his renowned works was his philosophical perspective, utilizing irony and satire. Swift's contributions influenced both the poor and the rich, inspiring other writers.

The Neoclassical Period and Swift's Influence

The Neoclassical period was an age of understanding and reason; people questioned their own and others' morals. The era was heavily influenced by satirical and logic-based writers, artists, and poets who challenged authority. One of the most influential satirists of the time was Jonathan Swift, who changed the lives of many. The Neoclassical era significantly impacted Eastern Europe, especially with the introduction of the middle class. People were largely influenced by the literature they consumed, leading them to alter their lifestyles or, at the very least, change their views on society. Famous artists and writers changed history by crafting clever works expressing their opinions, either elevating them to powerful political leaders or causing them to be shunned by society. Figures such as Jonathan Swift, Samuel Johnson, and John Dryden left lasting impacts on their surroundings through their works alone, forever leaving their marks on their country and its people.

Conclusion

Jonathan Swift's legacy as a satirist is undeniable. His works not only challenged the political landscape of his time but also left a profound impact on literature and society. Swift's ability to blend irony and satire with poignant social commentary ensured his place as a pivotal figure in the Neoclassical period, influencing countless others and leaving an indelible mark on history.

References

New Catholic Encyclopedia. (2023). Jonathan Swift. Retrieved from [source URL]

Ward, D. (2023). Jonathan Swift and the Irish Context. Retrieved from [source URL]