Satire is a powerful literary tool used to criticize societal norms, politics, and human behavior, often through humor and irony. In the 18th century, authors like Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope skillfully employed satire to provoke thought and inspire change. This lesson plan will provide you with three diverse, practical examples to help students analyze satire in 18th-century works effectively.
Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” (1729) is a seminal satirical essay that critiques British policy toward the Irish by suggesting a grotesque solution to poverty.
In this essay, Swift writes as if he is proposing a rational solution to the problem of poverty in Ireland by suggesting that impoverished Irish parents sell their children as food to the wealthy. The absurdity of this proposal highlights the dire situation of the Irish and the indifference of the British government. By presenting such a shocking idea in a serious tone, Swift forces readers to confront the harsh realities of exploitation and neglect.
Alexander Pope’s poem “The Rape of the Lock” (1712) satirizes high society and its trivial concerns, reflecting the superficiality of the aristocracy.
The poem recounts the story of a young nobleman who cuts a lock of hair from a young woman, causing an uproar among the social elite. Pope uses elevated language and epic conventions to mock the characters’ exaggerated reactions to this seemingly trivial event. The contrast between the grand style and the petty subject matter serves to highlight the absurdity of their values, inviting readers to reflect on the frivolity of their own societal norms.
Henry Fielding’s novel “Tom Jones” (1749) is a comedic exploration of morality, class, and human behavior, filled with satirical commentary on various aspects of 18th-century society.
In “Tom Jones,” Fielding presents a series of humorous and satirical episodes that critique the hypocrisy of the upper classes and the moral failings of individuals. For instance, the character of Lady Bellaston embodies the contradictions of societal expectations. Fielding uses irony and wit to expose the flaws in both his characters and the society they inhabit. Through Tom’s misadventures, Fielding invites readers to question the nature of virtue and vice.