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Digvijay Pandya, Lovely Professional University Unit 26: Swift–Hints Towards An Essay on Conversation ...

Unit 26: Swift–Hints Towards An Essay on Conversation: Notes
Critical Appreciation cum Analysis

CONTENTS
Objectives

Introduction
26.1 Critical Appreciation
26.2 Summary
26.3 Key-Words
26.4 Review Questions
26.5 Further Readings

Objectives

After reading this Unit students will be able to
• Discuss about Swift
• Critically examine the Hints Towards An Essay on Conversation

Introduction

Jonathan Swift was an author, journalist, and political activist best known for his satirical novel
Gulliver’s Travels and for his satirical essay on the Irish famine, “A Modest Proposal.”
Born of English parents in Dublin, Ireland, Swift studied at Kilkenny Grammar School and at
Trinity College in Dublin. The abdication of King James II drove him to England. During his time
in England, Swift realized his great talent for satire and wrote A Tale of a Tub and “The Battle of the
Books,” published in 1704. Swift also decided upon a career in the clergy. When he returned to
Ireland, Swift became a member of the Anglican clergy, ordained in the Church of Ireland.
During the reign of Queen Anne (1702-14), Swift visited London several times, making a name for
himself as a talented essayist. He began his political career as a part of the Whig political party but
in 1710 switched sides, becoming a Tory and taking over the Tory journal The Examiner. Swift was
disgusted by the Whigs’ aversion to the Anglican Church and could not stand for the party’s
desire to do away with the Test Act, which kept many non-Anglicans from holding offices in
government. Swift focused his time as a Tory on supporting their cause by writing lengthy
pamphlets and essays on religion and politics, continuing to satirize those with different views. In
1713 Swift was offered the deanship of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. When Queen Anne died
in 1714, the Tories came under fire, so Swift lost favor in London and greater England. He
begrudgingly resigned himself to living full-time in Ireland.
In 1724 Swift led the Irish people in their resistance against the English, who continued to oppress
them. He wrote many public letters and political pieces with the purpose of rallying the people.
One of his most famous essays, “A Modest Proposal,” satirically suggests that the Irish solve their
problems of starvation and overpopulation by eating their young. Swift also engaged in extensive
commentary on religion, though these works are not much read today. Even though Swift’s identity
was widely known by the citizens of Dublin, no one came forward to report him when a 300-
pound reward was offered for his arrest.

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