An 8 page research paper/essay that contrasts and compares 2 works by Thoreau and Swift. Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) and Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) are separated by time, space, culture and nationality yet these two essayists share the common feature that each one authored works that are insightful and astutely critical evaluations of certain political issues of their particular era. Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” and Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience” are each considered classic works and are also each an exemplary example of that author’s style of writing, as well as his influence during his particular society. The writing styles of each author is discussed and compared. Bibliography lists 9 sources.
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that each one authored works that are insightful and astutely critical evaluations of certain political issues of their particular era. Swifts "A Modest Proposal" and Thoreaus "Civil Disobedience" are each
considered classic works and are also each an exemplary example of that authors style of writing, as well as his influence during his particular society. Jonathan Swift was a
clergyman and devoted to the Anglican Church, but he was also one of the most famous satirists who have ever lived. Despite his devotion to Anglicanism, Swift chose a religious
career rather "reluctantly" but it was a satirist that this "astonishing gifts" as a writer were perfected (Abrams, et al 1504). As a young man, he wrote "powerful satires on
corruptions in religion and learning" (Abrams, et al 1504). At the age of 32, he accepted the post of chaplain to the Lord Justice, the Earl of Berkeley, and returned
to Ireland, which is where Swift was born to English parents (Abrams, e al 1504). He had friendships with the leading writers of his era, such as Addison and Pope,
and he was the most "brilliant political journalist of his day" (Abrams, et al 1505). In 1724, he became a leader in the Irish resistance to English domination and published
a famous series of protest letters under the name of "M.B. Drapier." While his identity as the letter-writer was known throughout Dublin, no one stepped forward to collect the reward
offered by the English government for information on the true identity of the letters author. To this day, Swift is honored and regarded in Ireland as national hero (Abrams, et
al 1505). Henry David Thoreau was born and raised in Concord, Massachusetts, which was the town that would come to be considered the center of Transcendental philosophy in America.