Welcome to Litsy!

A significant satirical commentary on society and the politics of 17th-19th century Ireland and Britain. It provides a glimpse into the prevailing behaviours and beliefs of the upper classes in respect of the poor. It should provoke further investigation and study of Irish history pre-independence and reflection on the social contract and purpose of government.

Modern Republicans to Swift, “Hold my beer“:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/alaska-republican-touts-benefits-of-chil...

Day 20 - #BookWithAProposal #MagnificentMurder
#AModernProposal #JonathanSwift

Humorous. I would consider this one of the best essays ever written. While reading this, I could just imagine them cooking and eating the children. The idea is rather gruesome, but Swift is not meant to be taken literally. The idea was to show how ridiculous people were being, fighting over religion and economics. Highly recommended!

What did I even read just now?! Most of it came across as the ramblings of a paranoid madman rather than a political satirist. I know times have changed a lot since this was written, but I'm stunned all the same. One essay was about selling babies as food, which even as satire is a bit much... especially when it goes into THAT much detail...
And I don't think it helped that he compared humans to brooms either 😑
#TBRChallenge #TBRCleanup

🌟/5

Did anyone else find A Modest Proposal a bit creepy? If I hadn't known in advance that it was a satire, I would have been horrified. All that baby murdering, cannibalism... I was too scared to focus on what he was trying to mock. I don't know, it just didn't feel enough satirical to me.

First of all - this is SATIRE!

Jonathan Swift‘s “Modest Proposal” to eradicate poverty in 18th century Ireland was the consumption of “surplus” (i.e. poor, Catholic) babies.

This essay outlines how it could be done. Swift challenges his readers‘ possible prejudices and, in a backhanded way, challenges them to be more effectively altruistic.

Thanks again, @SerialReader .

(Photo from Google Images.)

I had no idea, when I started this story, what it would be about, which made it so funny! A satire, written in 1729, and still so readable and somehow actual, wow!
#1001books

Amazingly, it's my first time actually reading this bit of classic satire instead of just hearing about it. Also my first finished read of my #litsypartyofone.

• 'Twas a fine endeavor until the second half and then it tooketh a serious nosedive. I honestly struggle to rate this "So-So" and am leaning more toward "Pan" but the first part warrants 2 stars. Alas, "So-So" it is. Disappointed in the ending because I was kinda enjoying this book! Eck. That works as a review, right? Just "Eck!" •

• highly entertaining satire, for sure 😂 reading on #serialreaderapp •

#classics #satire #literature #essays #humor #funreads

The classic example of #satire. I would usually teach this essay at the end of my Freshman Comp classes, leading into students writing satires of their own for their final exam. In spite of a sizable number of students coming to class horrified, thinking Swift was serious, I was usually impressed by the creativity and humor they displayed in their own satires. It's such a good feeling when students really get it! #maybookflowers

The original #satire #maybookflowers @RealLifeReading

I know lots of Littens have used this, but I couldn't resist this cover. #satire #maybookflowers @RealLifeReading

Classic satire. We read A Modest Proposal in HS and I was shocked at how many students didn't realize it was satire. I know the 18th century is a completely different world from your 20th century one but come on people 🙄 #maybookflowers #satire

Wow, that was a disturbing short story... #serialreader #creepy #notquitesure

Had a lot of fun with this one. Swift's tone is brilliantly dry and it comes across so well. The title essay is hilarious and should be read by everyone.

It's Saturday which means it's time for the next little black classic

My first WTH book for 2017! 😨😨😨 #serialreader

Some days call for Swift. #christmasbreak #whendoesschoolstartagain #kidsareawesome

I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricasie, or a ragoust.

Swift sarcastically suggests that the poor sell their children to the rich to be used as food. A satire that feels at home in 2016, honestly. A quick 2-issue read in Serial Reader.

Serial Reader is now on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serialreaderapp

I'm not sure if A Modest Proposal was here, but I got to tour the Russell Library at Maynooth University today and spotted these. Not super easy to see in the picture, but it's just a row of Swifts. So cool!

I knew what this was about but I don't think I'd actually ever read it until now. Totally get why this is used to introduce students to satire. Brilliant.