Satire: A Sarcastic Response to Human Follies Satire is a scathing and trenchant literary tool, one used by writers to point out the faults of human vice in order for change and amelioration. Satiric works were popular during the second phase of the Age of Reason because of new scientific discoveries that challenged the traditional commanding force of religion. Popular Eighteenth Century writers aimed to “mend the world as far as they are able,” (III. 467) with the help of satire. Satirists used two criteria to measure the effectiveness of their work: the use of exaggeration in identifying flaws in human nature and humor in engaging the audience's interest. Influential figures, Jonathan Swift, and Alexander
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In Jonathan Swift’s, Gulliver’s Travels, Swift uses exaggeration to illustrate his true opinion on society and to structure the various major flaws that humanity is guilty of. For example, on page 245 Gulliver describes the Yahoos; “The Yahoos were known to hate one another more than they did any different species of animals; and the reason usually assigned was the odiousness of their shape, which all could see in the rest, but not in themselves.” This is Swift’s way of using exaggerations to tell readers that humans are the only species on Earth that fight and destroy one another. Similarly, Pope also employs exaggerations in The Rape of the Lock ; “Not louder Shrieks to pitying Heav’n are cast / When Husbands or when Lap-dogs breathe their last” (159-60). Pope’s use of zeugma and exaggeration, in regards to the husbands and the lap-dogs, affirms that a woman will surely scream with horror over her dead lap-dog as with her dead husband. Thus, exaggerating the frivolousness of human reason. Though both satirists use adequate exaggerations to identify human flaw, Swift does a better job because he uses his to condemn human vice, whereas Pope simply mocks the upper class with his …show more content…
Their satires serve as social commentary on a egocentric and cursory period in British history. Both Swift and Pope plan to clench the attention of the elite social class and society in general, persuading them to realize societal shortcomings. Pope’s lighthearted method of satire is important but not nearly as effective as Swifts condemning, offensive and vulgar satirical method. Swift’s satirical parodies demanded the audience's attention in ways that a serious political pamphlet could not achieve [P]. The shock value in Gulliver’s Travels and A Modest Proposal shines a light on the moral deficiencies and ruthless political behavior of British aristocrats. Jonathan Swift is the best satirist because he infuriates his audience by offering insight on human follies and corruption in politics, compelling readers to fight for social
In Jonathan Swift’s, Gulliver’s Travels, Swift uses exaggeration to illustrate his true opinion on society and to structure the various major flaws that humanity is guilty of. For example, on page 245 Gulliver describes the Yahoos; “The Yahoos were known to hate one another more than they did any different species of animals; and the reason usually assigned was the odiousness of their shape, which all could see in the rest, but not in themselves.” This is Swift’s way of using exaggerations to tell readers that humans are the only species on Earth that fight and destroy one another. Similarly, Pope also employs exaggerations in The Rape of the Lock ; “Not louder Shrieks to pitying Heav’n are cast / When Husbands or when Lap-dogs breathe their last” (159-60). Pope’s use of zeugma and exaggeration, in regards to the husbands and the lap-dogs, affirms that a woman will surely scream with horror over her dead lap-dog as with her dead husband. Thus, exaggerating the frivolousness of human reason. Though both satirists use adequate exaggerations to identify human flaw, Swift does a better job because he uses his to condemn human vice, whereas Pope simply mocks the upper class with his …show more content…
Their satires serve as social commentary on a egocentric and cursory period in British history. Both Swift and Pope plan to clench the attention of the elite social class and society in general, persuading them to realize societal shortcomings. Pope’s lighthearted method of satire is important but not nearly as effective as Swifts condemning, offensive and vulgar satirical method. Swift’s satirical parodies demanded the audience's attention in ways that a serious political pamphlet could not achieve [P]. The shock value in Gulliver’s Travels and A Modest Proposal shines a light on the moral deficiencies and ruthless political behavior of British aristocrats. Jonathan Swift is the best satirist because he infuriates his audience by offering insight on human follies and corruption in politics, compelling readers to fight for social