ReadWriteThink: November 30, 2009: Jonathan Swift was born on this day in 1667.

November 30, 2009

		Anglo-Irish writer Jonathan Swift was born on November 30, 1667. Swift is famous for works including Gulliver’s Travels, A Modest Proposal, and A Tale of a Tub. Known for his satirical writings, as well as his poetry and essays, Swift also wrote under several pseudonyms, including the name Isaac Bickerstaff. image © 2009 www.clipart.com

Jonathan Swift was born on this day in 1667.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITY

A Modest Proposal is considered to be one of the best examples of satire ever written. Have students explore the elements of satire and parody using the lessons below. Then, have them extend that exploration by surveying instances of satire and parody in television and film, advertising, and journalism. Begin by dividing students into three groups and assigning each to either television and film, journalism, or advertising.

Have each group explore their assigned topic, looking for examples of satire or parody. As they find examples, encourage students to locate concrete examples they can bring in for a class display. Examples might include a DVD case or movie review, a magazine advertisement, a newspaper editorial, a book or book jacket, etc.
Working as a group, have students create an exhibit that highlights their findings. As part of the display, students should describe how each item is an example of satire or parody, what satirical technique is being used, and other related information.

Lesson Plans

Literary Parodies: Exploring a Writer’s Style through Imitation
In this lesson, students in grades 9–12 explore poems and their parodies, focusing on the writer’s style and language.

Exploring Satire with Shrek
In this high school lesson, the movie Shrek serves as an introduction to a variety of satirical techniques. As a conclusion, students create original, satirical fairy tales. Also visit the lesson plan on satire with The Simpsons.

Semicolons and Swift: Analyzing Punctuation and Meaning
In this lesson, students identify and categorize different ways Jonathan Swift and those who have edited his text since its initial publication used semicolons in the essay, “A Modest Proposal.”

From Dr. Seuss to Jonathan Swift: Exploring the History behind the Satire
High school students research historical allusions in Gulliver’s Travels after reading Dr. Seuss’s The Butter Battle Book.

Web Links

Jonathan Swift
This site, part of the Victorian Web, includes a biography of Swift, information about the political and social context of his time, his views on religion, and more.

Jonathan Swift
Read a brief biography of Swift at the HyperHistory Online page. Also included is a link to related information.

Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World by Lemuel Gulliver
This EDSITEment-reviewed Blue Ribbon site offers a comprehensive collection of Swift-related resources, including the text of Gulliver’s Travels, links to additional resources, and more.

Satire
This entry from the History of Ideas section of the Electronic Text Center at the University of Virginia Library offers a scholarly look at the history of satire.

Texts

Swift, Jonathan. 2005. Gulliver’s Travels. Oxford University Press.
This updated edition of Swift’s work also includes a commentary.

Swift, Jonathan. 1998. A Modest Proposal and Other Satires. Konemann.
This volume includes Swift’s commentary on 18th century Ireland, as well as other works of satire.

Bakalar, Nicholas. 1997. American Satire: An Anthology of Writings from Colonial Times to the Present. Plume.
Explore the history of American satire in this anthology, which includes works by Benjamin Franklin, Washington Irving, Art Buchwald, and others.

Jenkins, Martin. 2005. Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver. Candlewick.
This picture book retelling of Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels introduces his classic tale to younger readers.