The Power of the Pen
Writing is an integral part of satire. It provides a sharp and deliberate means of exposing folly. Through plays, pamphlets, poetry, and essays, satirists of the 18th century wielded language to challenge authority and question social norms. Writers crafted works that blended wit with pointed social critique, making complex ideas accessible to a wide audience. In combining humor with serious commentary, writing became one of the most enduring and influential forms of satirical expression.
This is the first page of Samuel Johnson's periodical essay, The Rambler No. 11. In this essay, Johnson analyzes the social and personal implications of individuals lacking emotional control. There is a very dramatic leading letter that embodies the intensity and theatricality of Johnson's writing. Samuel Johnson immediately draws the reader into the emotion that he critiques and sets the tone to ridicule society at large. Samuel Johnson did write The Rambler letters anonymously, but they have since been attributed to him in the majority.
The Rape of the Lock (in this context the term 'rape' is defined as carry off, grab, or snatch) is a satirical narrative poem about a petty squabble between two aristocratic families. A young man cut off a lock of hair from a young woman without her consent, which caused quite a scandal in high society. Pope, who was informed about the incident by a friend, used satire to diffuse the tension. By doing so, Pope turned the incident into a mock epic tale that includes mythical beings, dramatic speeches, and epic battles.
Jonathan Swift's 'A Modest Proposal' is a satirical essay where Swift suggests, with chilling seriousness, that the impoverished Irish could "ease their economic troubles" by selling their children to be used as food for the rich. Swift used extreme irony and satire to critique both the British exploitation of Ireland and the calculating attitudes of policymakers towards the poor.