In this term paper I focus on Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels, first published in 1726, as a political satire, a book rich in its topics and possible interpretations. However, the novel's function as a political satire – which I exemplarily examine in this paper – is one of its most discussed and obvious ones. Thus, I have a close look at whether, why and how the politician Sir Robert Walpole, a contemporary of Jonathan Swift, is – satirically – represented in Gulliver's Travels.
In order to fully grasp this issue, I start with a summary and comparison of both Jonathan Swift's and Robert Walpole's (political) backgrounds, beliefs, values and ideas, embedded in the historical context of the early 18th century. Then I continue with a discussion that mainly focuses on the following questions: Does the character Flimnap merely represent Robert Walpole or does it rather stand for politicians in general? What could have been Jonathan Swift's (political) intentions to do so? And, finally: How does satire as such then function in this case?
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 18th Century (Political) Satire
- The Scriblerus Club
- Jonathan Swift and Robert Walpole's (Political) Backgrounds, Beliefs, Values, and Ideas
- The Party System
- The Role of Religion
- Sir Robert Walpole
- Jonathan Swift's Politics
- Gulliver's Travels as a Political Satire
- Gulliver and his Antagonists
- Does Flimnap Represent Walpole? - An Exemplary Discussion
- Flimnap's Satirical Character
- Flimnap as a Speaking Name
- The Rope-Dancing Scene
- Further Functions of Flimnap as a Satirical Character
- The Atterbury Case
Objectives and Key Themes
This term paper examines Jonathan Swift's *Gulliver's Travels* as a political satire, focusing on the satirical representation of Sir Robert Walpole. The paper aims to analyze whether, why, and how Walpole is depicted satirically within the novel. To achieve this, it compares the political backgrounds, beliefs, and ideas of Swift and Walpole within their historical context. The analysis then explores the function of satire in this context. * The nature of 18th-century political satire and its use of exaggeration, irony, and mockery. * The role of the Scriblerus Club in shaping political satire during this period. * A comparative analysis of the political ideologies and positions of Jonathan Swift and Robert Walpole. * The interpretation of the character Flimnap as a representation of Walpole or politicians in general. * The exploration of Jonathan Swift's political intentions in writing *Gulliver's Travels*.Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by establishing its central focus: the analysis of *Gulliver's Travels* as a political satire and its potential portrayal of Sir Robert Walpole. The author outlines the approach, which involves examining the historical context, comparing the backgrounds of Swift and Walpole, and investigating the satirical techniques employed in the novel. The chapter clearly lays out the key questions the paper intends to address, focusing on the representation of Walpole, Swift's motives, and the overall function of satire within the work.
18th Century (Political) Satire: This chapter provides crucial background information on the context of 18th-century satire, highlighting its flourishing during this period and its frequent use of politics as a subject. The chapter emphasizes the prominent role of satire in criticizing individuals and circumstances through exaggeration, irony, and mockery. It introduces the Scriblerus Club and the way they utilized parallel situations to implicate political figures like Walpole.
Jonathan Swift and Robert Walpole's (Political) Backgrounds, Beliefs, Values and Ideas: This chapter delves into the political landscapes of Swift and Walpole's lives. It discusses the prevailing party system of Tories and Whigs, noting their shifting affiliations and ideological nuances, emphasizing the differences and similarities between their political stances. The chapter also explores the influence of religion on political affiliations and the ways in which religious divisions contributed to party conflicts and the political actions and compromises made by each figure. It details Walpole's rise to power as the first British Prime Minister and highlights Swift's political evolution, including his time with both the Whig and Tory parties.
Gulliver's Travels as a Political Satire: This chapter is expected to analyze the novel itself as political commentary. The analysis will likely focus on how Swift utilizes characters and plot elements to critique political realities and potentially satirize figures like Walpole.
Keywords
18th-century satire, political satire, Jonathan Swift, *Gulliver's Travels*, Sir Robert Walpole, Scriblerus Club, Whig party, Tory party, political representation, satire techniques, irony, exaggeration, mockery.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of *Gulliver's Travels* as Political Satire
What is the main focus of this language preview?
This preview offers a structured overview of an academic paper analyzing Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels as a political satire, specifically focusing on the satirical portrayal of Sir Robert Walpole. It includes the table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What topics are covered in the table of contents?
The table of contents covers an introduction, an exploration of 18th-century political satire (including the Scriblerus Club), a comparison of Swift and Walpole's political backgrounds, beliefs, and ideas (including the party system and the role of religion), an analysis of Gulliver's Travels as political satire, a detailed examination of the character Flimnap as a potential representation of Walpole, and a discussion of Flimnap's satirical characteristics.
What are the key objectives and themes of the academic paper?
The paper aims to determine whether, why, and how Walpole is satirized in Gulliver's Travels. It will achieve this by comparing the political contexts of Swift and Walpole, analyzing the nature of 18th-century political satire, exploring the role of the Scriblerus Club, interpreting Flimnap's character, and investigating Swift's political intentions. Key themes include the use of exaggeration, irony, and mockery in satire, the political ideologies of Swift and Walpole, and the function of satire in the historical context.
What are the chapter summaries?
The introduction sets the stage for the analysis. The chapter on 18th-century political satire provides background on the historical context. The chapter on Swift and Walpole compares their political lives, beliefs, and the party systems they operated within. The chapter on Gulliver's Travels analyzes the novel as political commentary, focusing on how Swift uses characters and plot to critique political realities and potentially satirize Walpole.
What keywords are associated with this paper?
Keywords include 18th-century satire, political satire, Jonathan Swift, Gulliver's Travels, Sir Robert Walpole, Scriblerus Club, Whig party, Tory party, political representation, satire techniques, irony, exaggeration, and mockery.
What type of academic work is this preview for?
This is a preview for a term paper examining Gulliver's Travels as a political satire with a specific focus on the satirical depiction of Sir Robert Walpole.
Who are the key figures discussed in this preview?
The key figures are Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, and Sir Robert Walpole, a significant political figure of the time. The Scriblerus Club is also mentioned as an influential group of satirists.
What is the intended audience for this language preview?
The intended audience is likely academics and students interested in 18th-century literature, political satire, and the works of Jonathan Swift.
- Quote paper
- Mag. Andreas Raab (Author), 2005, Gulliver's Travels as a Political Satire, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/125588
