Contents
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Most people know Swift as the author of Gulliver’s Travels. But this is not only a writer. This man was a public figure, philosopher, publicist, satirist, poet and priest.
Short biography of Jonathan Swift
Jonathan, having English roots, was born in Dublin (Ireland) on November 30, 1667. His father, a minor official, died shortly before the birth of his son. A poor family was left without a breadwinner. Jonathan was raised by his father’s wealthy brother, Uncle Godwin.
After leaving school, the young man entered the College of Dublin University, which he graduated in 1686. He received a bachelor’s degree in the humanities. Two years later, a civil war broke out in Ireland, and Swift left for England.
Young Jonathan Swift
For two years, Jonathan served as the literary secretary of retired diplomat and writer William Temple. While assisting Temple in the preparation of his memoirs, Swift used an extensive library while continuing to gain knowledge and writing experience.
After receiving friendly support and testimonials from Temple, Jonathan returns to Ireland.
Swift’s activities and works
In 1692 at Oxford, Jonathan received the title of master. Soon he took the ordination of the Church of England and was appointed as a priest in the village of Kilrut. However, he is burdened by new responsibilities, and he returns to Temple to work in his previous position.
The young writer considered the period of work at Temple to be the happiest in his life. At this time, he wrote many satirical works, poems, dreaming of great literature and political activity. In 1699, his patron died.
For a long time Swift could not find a suitable job. In 1700 he was appointed minister of the Cathedral of St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin.
In 1702 he became a Doctor of Divinity at Trinity College. His authority as a writer is growing, he often visits England, makes acquaintances in literary circles. He publishes several of his books under different pseudonyms. His works find their fans.
With the help of friends, in 1713 Swift was appointed dean of St. Patrick (the largest in Ireland). This seat gives him a political platform and financial independence. The dean actively defended the rights of ordinary Irish people. He established a fund to help the poor from his own fortune.
With tremendous influence and authority, Swift was associated with famous political figures.
In recent years, the Anglo-Irish writer suffered from a mental disorder and suffered a stroke. He completed his earthly journey on October 19, 1745.
Jonathan Swift: artworks
- 1697 – “The Battle of the Books”;
- 1704 – “The Tale of the Barrel”;
- 1710-1714 – “Diary for Stella”;
- 1726 – “Gulliver’s Travels”.
Publicism
Of the dozens of pamphlets and letters, the satire masters are best known:
- 1708 – “Discourse on the inconvenience of destroying Christianity in England”;
- 1712 – “Proposal for the correction, improvement and consolidation of the English language”;
- 1724-1725 – “Letters from a Cloth Maker”;
- 1729 – “A Modest Proposal”.
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