Lecture 6 Jonathan Swift

1667-1745

Jonathan Swift wrote without regard to any man, in his works he represented the version of life as he saw it. Swift has often been presented as a diseased misanthrope, who saw his fellow-men as a Yahoos of the fourth book of Gulliver. Swift's works, his diaries show that his fellow-men liked him and that he, in return, could bring out a genuine affection. Many of Swift's pamphlets show his genuine understanding of people's needs, joys and sorrows.

Swift's life was mixture of galling disappointments and hollow triumphs. He was born in 1667 in Ireland, though of English ancestry, and was educated, with the financial help of arich uncle, at Trinity College, Dublin. At the age of 22 he entered the household of a statesman and author near London, to whom he became private secretary, where with several breaks he continued for 10 years till Sir William's death.

In 1704 he published anonymously "A Tale of a Tub", a very vigorous and brilliant and often coarse satire on the divisions of the Christian Church. This satire, which goes far beyond its immediate subject and includes a scathing analysis of many aspects of human life, is in some way the most masterly expression of Swift's great powers. In the same volume was published “The Battle of the Books”, a brilliant satire on literary controversy. Both works had been written several years before their publication. In 1708 was published the "Argument against Abolishing Christianity", a masterpiece of comic irony, when his enormous powers of intellect had a chance to make themselves left. It was essential to the Government that it should win and hold public opinion. Swift's pen became its chief support. [19] Cabinet of Ministers sought not only his aid as

19pamphletter, but his shrewd advice. He was actually the most powerful man in England.

Swift had struggled through poverty and bad health !o gain power. For his services to the government he expected to be rewarded by appointment to a bishopric; but it is said that Queen Anne thought that the author of "A Tale of a Tub" was not a fit man to be a bishop. Instead he wasgiventhedeanshipofSt. Patrick's, Dublin in 1713. After Queen Anne's death in 1714 he went to Dublin and lived there the rest of his life, with only occasional visits to England.

He identified himself with the interests of Ireland. In 'The Drapier's Letters" (1724) he vigorously espoused the cause of Ireland against English injustice and oppression. He became the most popular figure in Dublin and in all Ireland.

'"Gulliver's travels", his most famous work, appeared in 1726.

Swift is one of the world's greatest satirist, he is also one of the grea­test masters of English prose. A prose that examplifies his own definition of style: "proper words in proper places". He is always clear, always vigorous, but never ornate. Swift wrote also a very considerable body of verse, thoroughly competent verse, fluent and entertaining; its tone is familiar, conversational and humorous.

Answer the questions

1. When and where was J. Swift born?

2. How did he get his education?

3. Where did he serve as a private secretary?

4. What was his first publication about?

5. Why did J. Swift become the most powerful man in England?

6. What did Swift's pamphlets show?

7. What did he expect for his services to the government?

8. When did Swift go to Dublin?

9. What did he identify himself with?

10. When did Swift's most famous work appear?

11. What kind of prose did he have? [20]