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Fiveable

British satire in the 1700s packed a punch. Writers like Swift and Pope used wit and irony to call out society's flaws, from class inequality to government corruption. Their works entertained while delivering sharp social commentary.

These satirists didn't pull punches. They mocked everything from bad writers to religious hypocrites. While satire risked offending some, it shaped public opinion and left a lasting mark on literature and political discourse.

Understanding 18th-Century British Satire

Purpose of 18th-century British satire

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Top images from around the web for Purpose of 18th-century British satire
  • Expose and criticize societal flaws through witty and often biting commentary
  • Provoke thought and inspire change by highlighting absurdities in society
  • Entertain while delivering social commentary using humor and irony

Works of Swift and Pope

Issues in 18th-century satire

Effectiveness of satirical commentary

  • Advantages: engages readers through humor, allows indirect criticism of powerful figures, creates memorable and shareable content
  • Limitations: risk of misinterpretation, potential to offend audience, may not lead to direct action
  • Impact: influenced public opinion, contributed to political discourse, left lasting legacy in literature
  • Effectiveness measured by contemporary reactions, long-term influence on thought, enduring relevance of works

Term 1 of 24

A Modest Proposal
See definition

A Modest Proposal is a satirical essay written by Jonathan Swift in 1729 that suggests a shocking solution to the problem of poverty and overpopulation in Ireland. By proposing that the impoverished Irish could sell their children as food to the wealthy, Swift uses extreme irony to critique British policy and societal indifference toward the suffering of the Irish population. This piece exemplifies the use of satire as a tool for social commentary, highlighting moral and ethical issues while provoking thought and discussion.

Key Terms to Review (24)

Term 1 of 24

A Modest Proposal
See definition

A Modest Proposal is a satirical essay written by Jonathan Swift in 1729 that suggests a shocking solution to the problem of poverty and overpopulation in Ireland. By proposing that the impoverished Irish could sell their children as food to the wealthy, Swift uses extreme irony to critique British policy and societal indifference toward the suffering of the Irish population. This piece exemplifies the use of satire as a tool for social commentary, highlighting moral and ethical issues while provoking thought and discussion.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Term 1 of 24

A Modest Proposal
See definition

A Modest Proposal is a satirical essay written by Jonathan Swift in 1729 that suggests a shocking solution to the problem of poverty and overpopulation in Ireland. By proposing that the impoverished Irish could sell their children as food to the wealthy, Swift uses extreme irony to critique British policy and societal indifference toward the suffering of the Irish population. This piece exemplifies the use of satire as a tool for social commentary, highlighting moral and ethical issues while provoking thought and discussion.



© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
Glossary
Glossary