Life & Education
When and where was Jonathan Swift born?
He was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1667
Meaning of “clergyman”?
A male member of the religious clergy
What problems influenced Swift’s writing?
Political corruption, social inequality, and unfair treatment of ordinary people
What method did Swift use instead of direct criticism?
Satire
Where did Swift study and what subjects interested him?
He studied literature, politics, and philosophy
Meaning of “pamphlets”?
Small booklets giving information or opinions
What did many political leaders care more about than justice?
Power
What years did Swift live between?
1667–1745
In which two countries did Swift spend most of his life?
What are Ireland and England?
Meaning of “exaggeration”?
Making something seem more extreme than it really is
What did Swift want society to achieve?
Serious moral and political change
Why did Swift want readers to laugh first?
So they would pay attention and then think deeply about the hidden meaning
Why was Swift sometimes criticized by society?
Because of his strong opinions and criticism of the government
Meaning of “satire”?
A literary technique that criticizes society using humor or irony
Give an example of abuse or dishonesty Swift criticized.
Dishonesty in politics and abuse of power by leaders
How did exaggeration help Swift communicate his ideas?
It made social problems more noticeable and memorable
What jobs did Swift have besides being a writer?
journalist and clergyman
Meaning of “social inequality”?
Unequal treatment of people in society
How did Swift make serious social problems interesting for readers?
By using humor, irony, exaggeration, and satire
Why is satire considered a powerful tool for social criticism?
It allows writers to criticize society creatively, humorously, and effectively