Jonathan Swift: Biography, Major Works and Themes
Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) was an Anglo-Irish satirist associated with the Augustan period of literature. This guide gives students a clear overview of the writer's life, major works and themes.
Quick Facts
| Name | Jonathan Swift |
|---|---|
| Lived | 1667-1745 |
| Known as | An Anglo-Irish satirist |
| Period | Augustan |
Major Works
- Gulliver's Travels
- A Modest Proposal
- A Tale of a Tub
Themes and Style
The writing of Jonathan Swift is best known for political satire and human folly. When you study these works, look at how language, structure and imagery carry those ideas.
Why Study Jonathan Swift?
Jonathan Swift is a frequent subject in school, college and university syllabuses. Knowing the context of the Augustan period helps you understand why the writer chose particular subjects and forms.
Exam Tips
- Learn two or three key quotations from Gulliver's Travels.
- Link Jonathan Swift's ideas to the historical background of the Augustan period.
- Practise writing a short paragraph on theme, language and form.