Question

Why did Swift publish "A Modest Proposal" and Gulliver's Travels anonymously?

Answer 1

He published them anonymously because they were highly political and satirical meaning that he made fun of everyone who was in power and of the entire political system claiming that it was corrupt. If he hadn't published them anonymously he would've found himself in a lot of trouble.

Answer 2

Answer:

Jonathan Swift's works were published anonymously for their contents were quite political and satirical, and also highly controversial. So, his identity was hidden in order to safeguard himself from any form of attack or victimization.

Explanation:

Jonathan Swift wrote his famous "Gulliver's Travels" and "A Modest Proposal" anonymously even though they were successful. Swift had been ardently expressing his views of the political issues of his time through his works.

"Gulliver's Travels" was a form of critiquing the English society and the leaders as a whole. Likewise, "A Modest Proposal" was also a satire that points out the contrast in between the rich English people and the poor Irish peasants. His proposal of selling children as meat for the rich and also as a source of income for the parents was highly criticized by many people.

As both works contains controversial views of the political scene in the country, he was susceptible to any attack from the government. Thus, the use of anonymity was a good way of showing and expressing his thoughts and views while also still keeping him safe.