4.2 Jonathan Swift's Satirical Works: 'Gulliver's Travels' and 'A Modest Proposal'
7 min read•august 13, 2024
Jonathan Swift's satirical works are masterpieces of social criticism. His novel "" uses fantastical voyages to expose human folly, while the essay "" shocks readers with its outrageous solution to Irish poverty.
Both works employ and to critique society and politics. Swift's biting targets human pride, corruption, and the callousness of those in power, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about their world.
Themes and Structure of Swift's Satire
Gulliver's Travels: A Satirical Novel
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- 'Gulliver's Travels' is a satirical novel divided into four parts, each detailing 's voyages to fictional lands populated by fantastical beings (, , Houyhnhnms, and )
- The novel's structure allows Swift to explore various aspects of and society through Gulliver's encounters with these different civilizations
- Each part of the novel can be seen as a self-contained satirical commentary on a specific theme or aspect of human behavior
Main Themes in Gulliver's Travels
- The folly of human pride is a central theme, as Gulliver's experiences in the different lands serve to deflate his sense of self-importance and highlight the relative nature of human values and norms
- Swift critiques the corrupting influence of power, as seen in the petty rivalries and absurd conflicts among the Lilliputians and Blefuscudians
- The relativity of social norms is explored through Gulliver's encounters with societies that have drastically different customs and values, such as the giant Brobdingnagians and the rational Houyhnhnms
- Swift warns against the dangers of unchecked rationalism through the depiction of , suggesting that reason without compassion can lead to a cold and inhuman society
A Modest Proposal: A Satirical Essay
- 'A Modest Proposal' is a satirical essay that presents a shocking solution to the problem of poverty and overpopulation in Ireland: selling poor children as food for the wealthy
- The essay is structured as a well-reasoned argument, with Swift adopting the persona of a dispassionate economist to propose this outrageous solution
- The shocking nature of the proposal serves to underscore the severity of the social problems Swift is addressing and the callousness of those in power
Central Theme of A Modest Proposal
- The central theme of 'A Modest Proposal' is the callousness and indifference of the English ruling class towards the suffering of the Irish poor
- Swift uses the essay to expose the heartlessness of the wealthy and the government, who prioritize abstract economic theories over human welfare
- The satirical proposal serves as a scathing indictment of the English government's neglect and exploitation of Ireland, highlighting the dire conditions faced by the Irish poor
Swift's Satirical Techniques
Irony in Gulliver's Travels
- Swift employs irony by presenting the absurdities and vices of human society through the lens of seemingly utopian societies, such as the rational Houyhnhnms and the diminutive Lilliputians
- The irony lies in the fact that these fantastical societies, despite their apparent superiority, are revealed to have their own flaws and shortcomings
- Through this ironic portrayal, Swift highlights the relative nature of human norms and values and exposes the follies and vices present in his own society
Hyperbole in Gulliver's Travels
- The use of hyperbole in 'Gulliver's Travels' is evident in the exaggerated physical characteristics of the inhabitants of the various lands, such as the tiny Lilliputians and the giant Brobdingnagians
- These exaggerated proportions serve to highlight the relative nature of human norms and values, as Gulliver's own size and strength become a source of wonder or disgust depending on the context
- The hyperbolic descriptions also allow Swift to create vivid, memorable images that underscore the satirical points he is making about human nature and society
Sustained Irony in A Modest Proposal
- 'A Modest Proposal' is built upon a sustained irony, as Swift adopts the persona of a dispassionate, rational economist proposing an outrageous solution to social problems
- The irony lies in the contrast between the calm, analytical tone of the essay and the shocking nature of the proposal being put forward
- By maintaining this ironic persona throughout the essay, Swift highlights the inhumanity and absurdity of the prevailing attitudes towards the poor
Hyperbole and Detached Tone in A Modest Proposal
- The essay employs hyperbole in its description of the dire conditions faced by the Irish poor and in the calculated details of the proposed solution, such as the number of children to be sold and the potential profits to be gained
- Swift's use of a detached, analytical tone throughout 'A Modest Proposal' serves to underscore the inhumanity of the English ruling class's attitude towards the Irish poor
- The combination of hyperbole and detached tone creates a powerful satirical effect, as the reader is forced to confront the shocking reality of the social problems being addressed and the callousness of those in power
Social and Political Critiques in Swift's Works
Political Satire in Gulliver's Travels
- In 'Gulliver's Travels', Swift critiques the pettiness and absurdity of political rivalries through the conflict between the Lilliputians and Blefuscudians, which is based on a trivial disagreement over the proper way to crack an egg
- This satirical portrayal of political conflict highlights the often arbitrary and irrational nature of the divisions and disputes that shape human societies
- Swift also uses the Lilliputians to mock the pomp and ceremony of the British court, as well as the corruption and favoritism that characterized British politics in his time
Critique of Enlightenment Rationalism
- The Houyhnhnms and Yahoos in 'Gulliver's Travels' represent a critique of the Enlightenment ideal of pure rationality, suggesting that reason without compassion can lead to a cold, inhuman society
- The Houyhnhnms, while admirable in their rationality and orderliness, are ultimately presented as lacking in empathy and unable to fully understand the complexities of human nature
- The Yahoos, in contrast, embody the base, irrational aspects of humanity, serving as a reminder of the need for a balance between reason and emotion
Satirizing European Society
- The Brobdingnagians' disgust at Gulliver's description of European society serves as a critique of the corruption, greed, and violence that Swift saw as endemic to his contemporary world
- By presenting European society through the eyes of the giant Brobdingnagians, Swift is able to highlight the absurdity and immorality of many accepted practices and institutions
- This satirical device allows Swift to challenge his readers to reconsider their own values and assumptions, and to recognize the flaws and injustices present in their society
Critiquing English Exploitation of Ireland
- 'A Modest Proposal' is a scathing indictment of the English government's neglect and exploitation of Ireland, as well as a critique of the heartlessness of the wealthy towards the poor
- Swift uses the essay to expose the dire conditions faced by the Irish poor, including poverty, starvation, and lack of opportunities
- By proposing the outrageous solution of selling poor children as food, Swift highlights the callousness and indifference of the English ruling class towards the suffering of the Irish people
Satirizing Economic Theories
- Swift's essay also targets the fashionable economic theories of his day, which prioritized abstract calculations over human welfare
- By adopting the persona of a rational economist and presenting a shocking proposal based on economic calculations, Swift exposes the limitations and potential dangers of purely utilitarian approaches to social problems
- The satirical critique suggests that economic theories and policies must be grounded in a concern for human well-being and moral values, rather than simply pursuing efficiency or profit
Satirical Approaches in Gulliver's Travels vs A Modest Proposal
Differences in Narrative Form and Scope
- Both works employ irony and hyperbole to expose and critique social and political ills, but they differ in their narrative forms and targets
- 'Gulliver's Travels' is a novel that uses fantastical settings and characters to comment on a wide range of human follies and vices, allowing Swift to explore multiple themes and issues
- 'A Modest Proposal', on the other hand, is a more focused essay targeting a specific social problem (poverty in Ireland) and the attitudes that perpetuate it
Indirect vs Direct Satire
- The satire in 'Gulliver's Travels' is more indirect and multi-layered, requiring readers to interpret the allegorical significance of Gulliver's adventures and the various societies he encounters
- In contrast, the satire in 'A Modest Proposal' is more direct and shocking, using a single, sustained irony (the outrageous proposal) to drive home its point
- The different approaches to satire in these works reflect their distinct purposes and targets, with 'Gulliver's Travels' offering a broad commentary on human nature and society, while 'A Modest Proposal' delivers a focused attack on a specific issue
Breadth vs Specificity of Critique
- 'Gulliver's Travels' critiques society and human nature more broadly, using the different lands Gulliver visits to comment on various aspects of human behavior and social organization
- 'A Modest Proposal' has a narrower focus on the relationship between England and Ireland and the problem of poverty, allowing Swift to deliver a more targeted and intense satirical critique
- The broader scope of 'Gulliver's Travels' allows for a more wide-ranging exploration of human follies, while the specificity of 'A Modest Proposal' enables Swift to create a more powerful and memorable indictment of a particular social ill
Variations in Tone and Persona
- While both works use a detached, ironic tone, 'A Modest Proposal' takes this to an extreme, adopting the persona of a coldly rational economist to underscore the inhumanity of the prevailing attitudes towards the poor
- In 'Gulliver's Travels', the tone varies depending on the episode and the society being described, ranging from the playful and absurd (Lilliput) to the more serious and philosophical (Houyhnhnms)
- The consistent, extreme ironic detachment of 'A Modest Proposal' serves to create a sense of shock and moral outrage, while the varying tones in 'Gulliver's Travels' allow for a more nuanced and multi-faceted exploration of the themes and issues being addressed
Key Terms to Review (24)
A Modest Proposal: A Modest Proposal is a satirical essay written by Jonathan Swift in 1729 that suggests a shocking solution to the problem of poverty in Ireland: the consumption of children by the wealthy. This work uses irony and hyperbole to criticize British policy towards the Irish and the lack of empathy among the upper classes, making it a significant piece of Enlightenment literature that reflects on reason and social issues.
Allegory: Allegory is a narrative technique in which characters, events, and details represent abstract ideas or moral qualities. This method often conveys deeper meanings, typically related to moral, social, or political themes, inviting readers to look beyond the surface of the story. In certain works, allegories can serve as a critique of society or human behavior, often employing satire to communicate these messages effectively.
Augustan Literature: Augustan Literature refers to a period in English literature during the late 17th and early 18th centuries that is characterized by an emphasis on reason, order, and classical ideals, mirroring the reign of Augustus Caesar in ancient Rome. This era saw a rise in satirical works, poetic advancements, and the foundations of modern literary criticism, showcasing a blend of wit and societal commentary.
Brobdingnagians: Brobdingnagians are the inhabitants of Brobdingnag, a fictional land depicted in Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels,' characterized by their immense size compared to humans. This exaggerated scale serves as a satirical device that allows Swift to critique human nature, society, and politics by placing the protagonist, Lemuel Gulliver, in a world where he is significantly smaller than the inhabitants, highlighting themes of perspective and the absurdity of human pride.
Class inequality: Class inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges among different social classes within a society. It encompasses economic disparities, access to education, and social mobility, which can create systemic barriers for lower classes while enabling the upper classes to maintain their status and advantages. In literature, this theme is often explored through satire, highlighting the absurdities and injustices of societal hierarchies.
Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral: The Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral is the head of the Anglican cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, and holds significant ecclesiastical authority. This position was notably held by Jonathan Swift, who used his role to influence both religious and social issues during the early 18th century, intertwining his literary works with his responsibilities as a church leader.
Gulliver's Travels: Gulliver's Travels is a satirical novel written by Jonathan Swift, published in 1726, that follows the adventures of Lemuel Gulliver as he journeys to various fantastical lands. The book critiques human nature, politics, and society during the Enlightenment era, using absurdity and exaggeration to highlight moral and philosophical concerns.
Human nature: Human nature refers to the inherent characteristics, behaviors, and instincts that define what it means to be human. It encompasses our capacities for reason, emotion, morality, and social interaction, often explored through literature to reflect on societal values and human flaws.
Hyperbole: Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. It is often used to create emphasis or a dramatic effect, making the subject more interesting and engaging. In literature, especially in satire, hyperbole serves to highlight flaws or absurdities in society, allowing readers to reflect on the topics addressed with heightened awareness.
Irish Famine: The Irish Famine, also known as the Great Famine, was a devastating period of mass starvation and disease in Ireland from 1845 to 1852, primarily caused by a potato blight that led to widespread crop failure. This catastrophic event not only resulted in the death of approximately one million people but also led to the emigration of millions more, significantly altering the demographic and social landscape of Ireland. The famine highlighted deep-rooted issues related to British colonial policies and economic exploitation, which are themes reflected in satirical works of the time.
Irony: Irony is a literary device where the intended meaning of words is different from their literal meaning, often creating a discrepancy between expectations and reality. It adds depth and complexity to literature, allowing writers to convey deeper truths and critiques through contrast and contradiction.
Lemuel Gulliver: Lemuel Gulliver is the fictional protagonist of Jonathan Swift's satirical novel 'Gulliver's Travels', who embarks on a series of fantastical voyages to strange lands. Through Gulliver's experiences, Swift critiques human nature, society, and politics, revealing the absurdities and flaws in contemporary European culture.
Lilliputians: Lilliputians are the tiny inhabitants of Lilliput, a fictional land in Jonathan Swift's satirical novel 'Gulliver's Travels.' These miniature people, measuring about six inches tall, symbolize the absurdities and pettiness of human conflicts and societal norms. The portrayal of Lilliputians serves as a sharp critique of the political landscape of Swift's time, reflecting on issues such as power struggles, pride, and the triviality of human concerns.
Moral hypocrisy: Moral hypocrisy refers to the act of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. This often involves a disconnect between one's expressed values and actual actions, revealing a tendency to judge others while failing to uphold the same principles oneself. In literature, this theme is prevalent as characters and societies often expose the contradictions between proclaimed ethics and real-life practices.
Neoclassicism: Neoclassicism is a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, characterized by a revival of classical ideals from Ancient Greece and Rome. It emphasizes reason, order, and harmony, reflecting the belief in rationality and the value of classical works as models for contemporary creativity.
Political corruption: Political corruption refers to the abuse of power by government officials for illegitimate private gain, often involving bribery, favoritism, and manipulation of policies to benefit a select few at the expense of the public good. It erodes trust in government, distorts political processes, and can lead to significant social and economic consequences. This theme is prevalent in various works, highlighting the moral decay and hypocrisy of political systems.
Political satire: Political satire is a genre of literature and art that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, and ridicule to criticize or mock political figures, institutions, or societal issues. This form of satire aims to provoke thought and raise awareness about the flaws and absurdities in political systems, often encouraging audiences to question authority and consider reform.
Restoration England: Restoration England refers to the period in English history that began in 1660 with the restoration of Charles II to the throne after a decade of republican rule. This era was marked by significant cultural, political, and social changes, fostering a revival of arts and literature, including the rise of the novel and periodical essays, alongside a growing interest in satirical works.
Satire: Satire is a literary technique used to expose and criticize foolishness, corruption, or societal shortcomings through humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule. This method often aims to provoke thought and inspire change by highlighting flaws in human behavior or institutions, making it a powerful tool in both literature and social commentary.
Satirical Pamphleteer: A satirical pamphleteer is a writer who uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize and expose the flaws in society, politics, or human behavior, often through short, impactful pamphlets. This form of writing became popular in the Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century as a means to engage the public in political discourse, using satire as a tool for social commentary.
Social commentary: Social commentary refers to the act of using artistic expression to critique or comment on societal issues, norms, and behaviors. It often aims to provoke thought and inspire change by shedding light on problems within society, using various forms of literature, art, or performance.
Societal critique: Societal critique refers to the examination and evaluation of societal norms, values, and structures, often highlighting their flaws and injustices. It is a tool used by writers and thinkers to provoke thought, inspire change, and promote social awareness through various forms of expression, including literature and satire. By addressing issues like inequality, corruption, and moral decay, societal critique seeks to encourage reflection and discussion about the state of society.
The houyhnhnms: The houyhnhnms are a fictional race of intelligent horses in Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels', embodying reason, logic, and moral integrity. They live in a utopian society where they communicate through rational discourse, contrasting sharply with the brutish behavior of humans, represented by the Yahoos. This sharp distinction serves as a powerful critique of human nature and societal norms.
Yahoos: Yahoos are a fictional race of brutish, uncivilized creatures depicted in Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels'. They represent the basest qualities of humanity, embodying greed, ignorance, and a lack of rationality. The Yahoos serve as a stark contrast to the rational and civilized Houyhnhnms, highlighting the flaws and follies of human nature through Swift's sharp satire.