Polite Conversation in Three Dialogues (eBook)

Jonathan Swift (1667–1745) was an Irish satirist, essayist, political pamphleteer, and poet, best known for his work 'Gulliver's Travels', a classic of English literature that remains widely read and influential. Swift's writing is marked by a mastery of ironic and satirical devices, through which he critiqued contemporary society and the human condition. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Swift was a man of his times, reflecting the tensions of the early 18th century in his works, employing a distinctive style characterized by acerbic wit and a penchant for the mock-heroic. 'Polite Conversation in Three Dialogues' highlights Swift's keen observation on the artificialities of social interaction, caricaturing the formulaic expressions of civility that dominated polite society. Swift's unflinching criticism of the British government and societal norms is evident in his other famous works, such as 'A Modest Proposal' and 'The Drapier's Letters'. In 'Polite Conversation', Swift exposes the hollowness of polite discourse, suggesting that genuine communication is often sacrificed for the sake of appearance. Swift's literary legacy endures, not only for his humorous and caustic style but also for his capacity to engage with the moral and philosophical questions of his day, cementing his place in the canon of English literature.