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Jonathan Swift

Swift’s most famous works were "Gulliver’s Travels" and the satirical "A Modest Proposal" where he advocates eating children to end poverty! You can understand why he was known for shocking his readers. Read on...

-	Bio & Major Works
-	Selected Poetry
-	Biographical Material
-	Swift's Place in Literature

Gulliver's Travels

You may think Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels is an adventure story intended for children. But in fact it was a deeply satirical work that was a comment on the times. Go inside the novel here!

-	Read the Text
-	SparkNotes

A Modest Proposal

Jonathan Swift wrote an essay entitled "A Modest Proposal" in which he examined the problem of poverty and starvation in Ireland. What was surprising to his readers was that he suggested the poor land workers in Ireland sell their infants to the land owners in order to alleviate their poverty and get rid of an extra mouth to feed. What did he mean by such a suggestion? Find out...

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Watch, Listen or Discover new and exciting things about people, places and events you want to know more about with the guides below!
	The Restoration 1660-1800 This period in English history got its name from the restoration of the monarchy to England after a long civil war, and it just happens to be the period Jonathan Swift wrote in! LET'S GET STARTED >
	The Victorian Era 1832-1901 During the reign of Queen Victoria from 1832-1901 England was at the height of its power. They had peace, prosperity and a flowering of literary talent! LET'S GET STARTED >

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	Restoration Lit Learn about authors of the restoration and eighteenth century at this site!
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	Eighteenth Century Need sources on the eighteenth century? Then this is your site!

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	Etymologic Think you know the origins of words? Try the toughest word game on the Web to find out!
	Past Participles These little parts of speech can be tricky! Take this quiz to see if you've got them down!
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What's That?

Jonathan Swift was best known for his satirical style of writing. Learn about satire in literature here!

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