Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) is quite possibly the greatest satirist inThe history of English literature, and is without question the most Controversial.

Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) is quite possibly the greatest satirist in
The history of English literature, and is without question the most
Controversial. Infuriated by the moral degradation of society in the
Eighteenth century, Swift wrote a plethora of bitter pieces attacking
Man's excessive pride, and the critical reception has been one of very
Mixed reviews. While few question Swift's skill as a satirist, his
Savage, merciless attacks on the foibles of mankind have led more than one
Critic to level negative accusations against him. His beliefs have led to
Allegations of heresy, an anti-government attitude and a devotion to
Freeing men right to passion. His most famous work, Gulliver's Travels,
Has resulted in attacks on his writing style, and his cruel, invidious
Assaults on sin have led to cries of egotist, misanthrope and sadist.
Every one of these accusations is false. Jonathan Swift's critics are
Misguided and incorrect in their attacks on his beliefs and writings.
Jonathan Swift is falsely accused of heresy for attacking human life.
Swift infuriates some critics for criticizing something that they feel
Must be divine since it is the chief instrument of God. These critics
Argue that human nature must be dignified if it is the key theme of
Christianity. They, however, are wrong, and are guilty of being naive.
Swift and his supporters counter their attacks by pointing out that it is
Hypocritical of them to revere such vices as corruption, greed, and
Immortality, and these critics need to take a serious look at this
(Knowles 34-35). Swift himself has answered these charges of heresy,
Explaining that he has never been anti-Christian and only disagrees with
The concept of original sin. Throughout his life and in his writings,
Jonathan Swift has always been a devout man of religion (Tuveson 103, 3).
Critics falsely claim that Jonathan Swift sees God as much too great
For humans (Dennis 58). Swift's writings prove that he has always been a
firm believer that only God and Christ are capable of absolute moral
Perfection, but he also strongly believes that man is definitely capable
Of shortening the gap (Tuveson 129). Swift has said that he normally has
No belief in theories or systems, due to the fact that they are driven by
Man and therefore cannot operate perfectly. Christianity, he feels, is an
Exception to this rule, because the system guides man just as man guides
The system (Bloom, Swift 15). This belief also counters the