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From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books…
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A short and brilliant satirical essay, where Swift cuts into Ireland's financial situation and the treatment of poor by suggesting that babies should be the main source of food. As a side product you could get gloves for the ladies and boots for the gentlemen. So, by shocking the readers Swift had good chances to be heard. There's no such thing as bad publicity, right?
Swift argues that by doing this the population of Ireland would be reduced (especially Papists), the poor could get more assets w ...more
Swift argues that by doing this the population of Ireland would be reduced (especially Papists), the poor could get more assets w ...more
I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't that. Yoke's on me!
Nothing like a clever bit of dark satire to shock us into gaining some perspective. Swift provides an astute glimpse into the social dilemmas and mores of 18th century Ireland, and the day-to-day struggles of its many and less fortunate citizens. In some ways it is a relevant in today's world as it was in Jonathan Swift's time.
Once you get past the "ick" factor, the proposal becomes quite the humorous foil.
Also ...
This is a quick rea ...more
Nothing like a clever bit of dark satire to shock us into gaining some perspective. Swift provides an astute glimpse into the social dilemmas and mores of 18th century Ireland, and the day-to-day struggles of its many and less fortunate citizens. In some ways it is a relevant in today's world as it was in Jonathan Swift's time.
Once you get past the "ick" factor, the proposal becomes quite the humorous foil.
Also ...
This is a quick rea ...more
Ricordi di una "provocazione". Quando insegnavo, ricordo che, tra le tante "provocazioni" che proponevo, (qualcuno diceva che lo facevo con "sadismo"), questo "pamphlet" di J. Swift aveva uno dei primi posti. Ritrovarlo ora in versione italiana mi fa un certo effetto. Una cosa è leggere la "provocazione" di Jonathan in inglese un'altra è leggerla in italiano. Ma l'autore per me resta uno dei grandi della letteratura di tutti i tempi. Non a caso Swift lasciò scritto il suo epitaffio da essere inc
...more
Required reading throughout school. One of the first instances of satire and social commentary. It is still memorable and funny
Jun 15, 2012
Jen
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Aug 08, 2013
Sivan
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Oct 01, 2013
Kathy
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Mar 28, 2019
Carla
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Apr 30, 2019
Catherine
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Jun 05, 2020
Verity
marked it as to-read
Mar 29, 2023
Cheryl Scaccio
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