Journal 4: The 18th Century and Satire
One of the conventions of a style emerging (or re-emerging) in the 18th Century during the Age of Reason was satire. In the module, you learned about satire. However, in the 18th Century, satire was employed as a method of ridiculing the over-sensitivity of society and the lack of decorum of politicians.
After reading excerpts from
Gulliver’s Travels
, “The Rape of the Lock,” and “A Modest Proposal,” explain your understanding of 18th Century satire. How does it relate to the modern definition of satire? What is being satirized in the three texts of study? Why is satire an effective method of persuasion in these cases?
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