Question

Analyze Pope and Swift's pieces under the context of Juvenalian and Horatian satire. What are the differences? Your answer should be at least 150 words.

Answer 1

Juvenalian satire is named after the writings of Juvenal, a Roman satirist who disagreed with the government of the Republic. It describes a more abrasive type of criticism than the light-hearted or comical Horatian satire. It is often directed at political leaders and it is used to express pessimism and moral indignation. It is also employed in order to provoke a social or political change in power, which can be threatening to political leaders.

"The R a p e of the Lock" by Alexander Pope is an example of Horatian satire. This narrative poem tells the story of a woman who gets a lock of hair stolen from her. However, the story is told as a Greek epic, contrasting the absurdity of the event with its exaggerated style. It is humorous, while slightly critical of the social behaviour of the upper classes.

"A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift is a satire that argues that the problems of Irish poverty would be solved if Irish parents sold their children as food for the rich classes. The language is a lot more poignant and reprobatory, and its hidden message is one of indignation. It is an example of a Juvenalian satire.

Answer 2

The two forms of satire are Horatian Satire and Juvenalian Satire. The first kind of satire employs mockery as its primary devices and accompanies adoration for the people being mocked. While, on the other hand, the second type of satire conveys an indignant tone and harshly ridicules its subject of satire.

Pope’s magnum opus The Rae of the Locke is the best example of Horatian satire. This wonderful creation by Pope conveys the style of mild mockery and indulgence in the society. In this epic poem, he parodies social shortcomings that accompany most of the individuals in the social world. His tools expose the absurd and foible attributes that prevail in within humanity.

Moving on, The Modest Proposal by Swift exemplifies the harsh, sneering satire of the second type. In this work of art, Swift acts directly on the menace he dislikes. He conveys his ideas by being outrageous and deplorable in his statements and suggestions in the book. For example, he mentions in his book that some individuals would be utilized as food in Ireland, which shows his direct and offensive approach in writing.

To conclude, the difference in both writers’ style is their approach to the readers, in which they present their thoughts, is obvious. While Pope utilizes mild tone and mocks gently, Swift acts like an indignant satirist with a direct revolutionary advancement of statements. Both portray all the needed attributes of Horatian and Juvenalian satire, respectively.