Jonathan Swift

Jonathan Swift Biography

Jonathan Swift (30 November 1667 – 19 October 1745) was an Anglo-Irish satirist, essayist, political pamphleteer, poet, and cleric who became Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest prose satirists in the English language, known for works such as Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Swift was the posthumous son of Jonathan Swift Sr. and Abigail Erick. His father died before his birth, and his mother returned to England, leaving him in the care of his uncle. Swift attended Kilkenny Grammar School and later Trinity College, Dublin, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1686. Following political unrest in Ireland, he moved to England and became secretary to Sir William Temple, a retired diplomat.

Swift's literary career flourished with the publication of A Tale of a Tub (1704), a satire on religious excesses, and The Battle of the Books (1704), defending Temple's stance on the merits of ancient literature. His most celebrated work, Gulliver's Travels (1726), is a satirical narrative critiquing human nature and contemporary society through the adventures of Lemuel Gulliver. Another notable work, A Modest Proposal (1729), employs irony to highlight the British government's neglect of the Irish people.

In 1713, Swift was appointed Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, a position he held until his death. Throughout his life, he was deeply involved in political and social issues, using his writings to advocate for justice and reform. Swift passed away on 19 October 1745 and was buried in St Patrick's Cathedral. His legacy endures through his profound impact on literature and his masterful use of satire to effect social change.

Trivia About Jonathan Swift

• Swift often published his works under pseudonyms, including Lemuel Gulliver, Isaac Bickerstaff, and M.B. Drapier.
• He was a contemporary and friend of notable literary figures such as Alexander Pope and John Gay.
• Swift's satirical style has led to the term "Swiftian" being used to describe similar satire.
• He left a significant portion of his fortune to establish St Patrick's Hospital for Imbeciles, now St Patrick's University Hospital, in Dublin.

Famous Quotes by Jonathan Swift

• "When a great genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign; that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
• "Vision is the art of seeing things invisible."
• "Satire is a sort of glass, wherein beholders do generally discover everybody's face but their own."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Jonathan Swift?

Jonathan Swift was an Anglo-Irish satirist, essayist, political pamphleteer, poet, and cleric, best known for works like Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal.

What is 'Gulliver's Travels' about?

Gulliver's Travels is a satirical novel that narrates the voyages of Lemuel Gulliver to various fictional lands, each serving as a critique of different aspects of human nature and society.

What was 'A Modest Proposal'?

A Modest Proposal is a satirical essay suggesting that impoverished Irish might ease their economic troubles by selling their children as food to rich gentlemen and ladies. It was intended to criticize the British government's policies towards the Irish.

Related Literary Movements

Jonathan Swift was a prominent figure in the Augustan Age of English literature, characterized by its emphasis on satire, wit, and classical ideals. His works are central to the development of literary satire and have influenced countless writers in the genre.

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