My comments about Johnathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal,"....the idea that selling and eating very young children will reduce their burden upon the Kingdom of Ireland.
Jame I agree with you when you say that humor is a dangerous thing. I also enjoyed how you compared Swift to that of other famous comedians of our time. I feel that during the time period this piece was written the Catholic society may have taken his humor the wrong way. However of those who were more open minded I am sure they saw the reality of what England was doing to their precious society. I also enjoyed how you referred to Swift as a scientist. I'd have to agree with you on that because he was experimenting with an entire society to see how they would react to his proposal. I enjoyed then end of the piece where he sates, "I profess, in the sincerity of my heart, that I have not the least personal interest in endeavouring to promote this necessary work, having no other motive than the publick good of my country, by advancing our trade, providing for infants, relieving the poor, and giving some pleasure to the rich" (Swift). This shows the fact that he was not being serious for those who were close minded. Great thoughts.
Jonathan Swift was an intellect, political activist and a 1700's modern economist, among many other status's he obtained throughout his career. Like yourself, I love his approach to fixing poverty through his twisted, satirical writing "A Modern Proposal". I agree with you that humor when applied to something serious can be dangerously misinterpreted. Though at the same time, it can be a driving force behind getting attention of the audience who might otherwise ignore the subject at hand if not applied satirically, sarcastically or ironically.
In Swifts case, as you know, he was ignored when he brought up sensible solutions to the English during the 1700's. Out of desperation, he drastically changed his approach to try to get a response, something that after reading it, one would fall asleep and wake up thinking about it. He wanted it to shake the foundation his intended audience, whether they were dejected or internally agitated, evoking a self-conscious that might otherwise be ignored and forgotten. The English obviously did not see themselves as blood thirsty, cruel, greedy, savages that would eat babies if the chance presented itself.
He knew from experience, that when approaching the English on the matter of poverty, with sincerity and logic, that his proposals were ignored and thrown away. He was ingenious, paving the way for many generations to come exposing the nightmare of suffering and the heartlessness of those who lack understanding.
We can all benefit from this reading, because we face similarities in our own society. The homeless population is only increasing in our country, our leaders seem to care little for the elderly and the unfortunate poverty stricken Americans. Those of us who are on the other side of the fence, merely ignore them and many times making excuses for their situation.
Are we like the English of the 1700's? Of course not, but I think we have in common the lack of empathy for those who have little to nothing. Food for thought. I am glad you enjoy Swifts writing, for me, it is now my most treasured essay. I learned a lot about myself and the pain of poverty. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us and I look forward to reading more of your observations on other writings as we continue in this course. Cheers and may we have many more full-filling and happy readings to come!
-David PS: I was surprised you knew of the Tokugawa shogunate, during the Edo period. For me its a fascinating time in Japan, and a lot of good things like poetry did seem to arise around that time, as well as new forms of entertainment like Kabuki. You did mention Matsuo Basho, as you know a master poet of the Edo period. I love Haiku poetry myself, though honestly dislike having to use it, as it is challenging. I love Kabuki too, its a lot of fun to watch! http://youtu.be/OwQ1AuWlPW8 A video about a distraught swordsman, I find it interesting and humorous. It makes me happy, and honored to meet another person who is finds Japan's history as beautiful and fascinating. Thanks for the post!
Jame I agree with you when you say that humor is a dangerous thing. I also enjoyed how you compared Swift to that of other famous comedians of our time. I feel that during the time period this piece was written the Catholic society may have taken his humor the wrong way. However of those who were more open minded I am sure they saw the reality of what England was doing to their precious society. I also enjoyed how you referred to Swift as a scientist. I'd have to agree with you on that because he was experimenting with an entire society to see how they would react to his proposal. I enjoyed then end of the piece where he sates, "I profess, in the sincerity of my heart, that I have not the least personal interest in endeavouring to promote this necessary work, having no other motive than the publick good of my country, by advancing our trade, providing for infants, relieving the poor, and giving some pleasure to the rich" (Swift). This shows the fact that he was not being serious for those who were close minded. Great thoughts.
ReplyDeleteJames,
ReplyDeleteJonathan Swift was an intellect, political activist and a 1700's modern economist, among many other status's he obtained throughout his career. Like yourself, I love his approach to fixing poverty through his twisted, satirical writing "A Modern Proposal". I agree with you that humor when applied to something serious can be dangerously misinterpreted. Though at the same time, it can be a driving force behind getting attention of the audience who might otherwise ignore the subject at hand if not applied satirically, sarcastically or ironically.
In Swifts case, as you know, he was ignored when he brought up sensible solutions to the English during the 1700's. Out of desperation, he drastically changed his approach to try to get a response, something that after reading it, one would fall asleep and wake up thinking about it. He wanted it to shake the foundation his intended audience, whether they were dejected or internally agitated, evoking a self-conscious that might otherwise be ignored and forgotten. The English obviously did not see themselves as blood thirsty, cruel, greedy, savages that would eat babies if the chance presented itself.
He knew from experience, that when approaching the English on the matter of poverty, with sincerity and logic, that his proposals were ignored and thrown away. He was ingenious, paving the way for many generations to come exposing the nightmare of suffering and the heartlessness of those who lack understanding.
We can all benefit from this reading, because we face similarities in our own society. The homeless population is only increasing in our country, our leaders seem to care little for the elderly and the unfortunate poverty stricken Americans. Those of us who are on the other side of the fence, merely ignore them and many times making excuses for their situation.
Are we like the English of the 1700's? Of course not, but I think we have in common the lack of empathy for those who have little to nothing. Food for thought. I am glad you enjoy Swifts writing, for me, it is now my most treasured essay. I learned a lot about myself and the pain of poverty. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us and I look forward to reading more of your observations on other writings as we continue in this course. Cheers and may we have many more full-filling and happy readings to come!
-David
PS: I was surprised you knew of the Tokugawa shogunate, during the Edo period. For me its a fascinating time in Japan, and a lot of good things like poetry did seem to arise around that time, as well as new forms of entertainment like Kabuki. You did mention Matsuo Basho, as you know a master poet of the Edo period. I love Haiku poetry myself, though honestly dislike having to use it, as it is challenging. I love Kabuki too, its a lot of fun to watch! http://youtu.be/OwQ1AuWlPW8 A video about a distraught swordsman, I find it interesting and humorous. It makes me happy, and honored to meet another person who is finds Japan's history as beautiful and fascinating. Thanks for the post!