Jonathan Swift was born on November 30, 1667, in Dublin, Ireland. Throughout his life, he tried to achieve political distinction in Ireland and the nearby country of England, but he was generally unsuccessful in his attempts. Swift did find success, however, in his writing. He wrote many books, essays, and pamphlets during his lifetime. Often, he used his writing to censure the individuals, society, and politics of his time. One of Swift’s most famous literary works is the book Gulliver’s Travels, which he wrote as a travel narrative, a popular genre at the time it was published. By using the travel narrative genre, Swift was able to achieve his purposes while keeping them hidden. Why did Swift want to hide his purposes? It may be that he did not want people to know they were being educated and often mocked. If his audience had known, they may not have read his masterpiece, and Gulliver’s Travels would have been lost forever.

Based on this excerpt, what can you infer about Jonathan Swift’s life?

Swift’s birthdays were often depressing and lonely.
Swift had a large family and tremendous wealth.
Swift traveled widely, which is reflected in Gulliver’s Travels.
Swift’s writings were connected to his desire to enter politics.