Social Commentary
Satire
Satire is writing that often uses humor to critique the faults of individuals or society. Satire has been used to reflect on human behavior and reform society since ancient times, and it continues to be used today in an effort to bring about change. In this interactivity, use the NEXT button or the numbered tabs to explore various satirical devices. Click the player button to begin.
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"A Modest Proposal"by Jonathan Swift
Although he also wrote poetry, essays, and political pamphlets, Jonathan Swift is remembered today as one of the greatest satirists of the English language. Swift was born in Ireland in 1667. His father died before he was born, and so his mother returned to England. When Swift was three years old, however, he returned to Ireland and was left in the care of an uncle, who provided for his education. Throughout his life, Swift traveled to England often, hoping to gain favor with the highest ranks of government with the goal of acquiring positions of power. Although he never succeeded in this respect, he began publishing his work in the early 1700s, gaining popularity and widespread acclaim as his publications quickly sold out. Some of his most successful works include "A Modest Proposal," A Tale of a Tub, The Battle of the Books, and Drapier's Letters. However, his masterpiece is the novel known today as Gulliver's Travels, a satire that critiques the English government and human vice itself. Since it was first publlished in 1726, Gulliver's Travels has never gone out of print.
Access and read "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift. This essay is a satire whose goal is to alleviate the problem of poverty and starvation in Ireland. The audience of Swift's satire is the group of people who have most oppressed the poor people of Ireland and are most able to help their situation: wealthy landlords. Prior to the publication of this essay, Swift had already attempted numerous times to promote reform. When his calls to action were ignored, he resorted to offering a more drastic proposal that would catch the attention of the powerful elite. As you read, notice the passage in italics that details serious proposals to solving the problem of Ireland's poverty. Why do you think Swift mentions factual information along with satirical remarks that are not meant to be taken seriously? What satirical devices does Swift use in his essay?
A Modest Proposal Review
Now that you have explored the form of satire and examined a model satire in Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal," it is time to review your knowledge and practice what you have learned. In this non-graded activity, read the questions and statements and select the appropriate answers. Click the player button to get started.