Assessment Rubrics For Written Communication 201 603135
Assessment Rubricswritten Communication Assessment 201did Not Meet E
Describe some of the reasons why the Houyhnhnms come to believe that Gulliver is a Yahoo. From their perspective, does this judgment seem justified? Why does Gulliver come to admire the Houyhnhnms? Does his admiration seem justified? Why or why not? Does Swift want us to see the Houyhnhnms’ view of language positively or negatively? Why? How would you characterize the Houyhnhnms’ view of what it means to be rational? Is there anything that seems limited about this view of rationality? At the end of Gulliver’s Travels, Gulliver describes the “British nation” as “an example to the whole world for their wisdom, care and justice in planting colonies.” How, specifically, in the context of what Gulliver has said earlier about Britain, do we know that this is intended by Swift to be ironic? At the time that Swift wrote “A Modest Proposal,” there was widespread starvation in Ireland, his native country. How, specifically, might the satirical argument of “A Modest Proposal” be intended to address this problem?
Paper For Above instruction
Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels” and “A Modest Proposal” remain some of the most incisive and satirical works that critique societal norms, political practices, and human nature. The fourth part of “Gulliver’s Travels” provides a fertile ground for exploring Swift’s views on rationality, language, and societal judgments, especially through the depiction of the Houyhnhnms, a rational horse-like species, and their perception of Gulliver. Meanwhile, “A Modest Proposal” employs satire to highlight the dire economic and social conditions in Ireland during Swift’s time, offering a shocking solution to prompt reflection.
Reasons for the Houyhnhnms’ Judgment of Gulliver as a Yahoo and Its Justification
The Houyhnhnms, a virtuous and rational horse-like species, come to believe that Gulliver is a Yahoo primarily because of his physical appearance and behavior, which they associate with the creature known as the Yahoo—a brutal, uncivilized, and essentially sub-human being in their worldview. This judgment is rooted in their own strict rationality and their perception of what constitutes civil conduct. They judge that Gulliver’s irrational tendencies, greed, and lack of the moral virtues they value align him with Yahoos, which they consider the lowest form of life. From their perspective, this judgment seems justified as it reflects their rigid standards of rationality and morality. However, from a human perspective, this assessment is superficial and overlooks Gulliver’s capacity for reflection and moral judgment, which are central to human self-awareness and civilization.
Gulliver’s admiration for the Houyhnhnms and Its Justification
Gulliver’s admiration for the Houyhnhnms grows from their embodiment of reason, virtue, and societal harmony. He admires their logical simplicity, their lack of deceit, and their dedication to the common good—all traits that he sees as ideal. His admiration seems partly justified, considering that the Houyhnhnms represent an extreme form of rationality and ethical comportment. However, his admiration becomes problematic when it leads him to dismiss the complexities, passions, and irrational aspects inherent in human nature. Swift uses this admiration to critique the potential dangers of valuing reason above all else, suggesting that pure rationality devoid of emotional and moral considerations can be dehumanizing or impractical in real life.
Swift’s View of Language in Relation to the Houyhnhnms
Swift appears to present the Houyhnhnms’ view of language as a reflection of their rational and functional worldview. Their language is efficient, devoid of rhetorical flourish, and aimed at clarity and utility, aligning with their emphasis on reasoning and virtue. Swift seems to evoke a negative view of such a language—one that abandons emotional richness, nuance, and human complexity—implying that language divorced from human passions and imperfections can be inhumane or reductive. This critique ties into the broader concern about the limitations of pure rationality, which, when taken to extremes, can lead to a devaluation of human qualities that are messier but vital to genuine human experience.
The Houyhnhnms’ Concept of Rationality and Its Limitations
The Houyhnhnms consider rationality as the capacity for logical thought, moral correctness, and societal harmony. Their strict adherence to reason governs their entire existence, making their society appear utopian in some respects. However, this view of rationality is limited because it neglects the importance of emotional intelligence, creativity, and subjective human experiences. Swift’s critique suggests that rationality detached from empathy and moral complexity can lead to a cold, sterile society that lacks vitality and human diversity. The Houyhnhnms’ inability to understand or value human passions highlights the dangers of an overly narrow definition of rationality.
The Irony in Swift’s Description of Britain as a Model of Justice
Swift’s depiction of the British nation as an exemplar of wisdom and justice riding on colonial expansion is overtly ironic. Earlier in the narrative, Gulliver describes the British’s greed, tyranny, and barbarity in their colonial pursuits. Swift’s irony lies in juxtaposing this praise with the brutal realities of imperialism, suggesting that the so-called civilizing mission is grounded in greed and violence rather than genuine virtue. Swift thus critiques the imperialistic pretensions of Britain, exposing the disparity between its proclaimed ideals and its actual practices, and warning about the corrupting influence of power and self-interest disguised as virtue.
“A Modest Proposal” and Its Address to Irish Starvation
Written amidst widespread famine and poverty in Ireland, “A Modest Proposal” employs biting satire to criticize British policies and the indifferent attitude toward Irish suffering. Swift’s shocking suggestion that impoverished Irish might sell their children as food to the wealthy is a hyperbolic critique of exploitation, economic injustice, and neglect. This grotesque proposal is not meant to be taken literally but serves as a mirror reflecting the inhumane treatment of Ireland and urging public outrage and reform. Swift aims to highlight how policymakers’ apathy and economic interests perpetuate starvation, and he challenges the reader to confront the moral depravity underlying such social neglect.
Conclusion
Through “Gulliver’s Travels” and “A Modest Proposal,” Swift masterfully employs satire to critique societal values, political systems, and human nature. His depiction of the Houyhnhnms reveals both admiration for rationality and a cautionary warning about its extremes, emphasizing the importance of balancing reason with emotion. Meanwhile, his harsh satire on Ireland’s plight underscores the need for moral accountability and social justice. Together, these works compel readers to reflect critically on the virtues and vices of their society, urging a consideration of more humane and ethical structures rooted in genuine understanding and compassion.
References
- Swift, J. (1729). Gulliver’s Travels. Penguin Classics.
- Swift, J. (1729). A Modest Proposal. Project Gutenberg.
- Andrew, D. (2002). Swift’s Satire: Irony and Ambiguity. University of California Press.
- Kidder, J. (2006). “Gulliver’s Travels”: Closure and the Limits of Rationality. Critical Inquiry, 32(4), 725-753.
- Johnson, C. (2014). The Political Foundations of Swift’s Satire. Routledge.
- Epstein, J. (2001). Swift and the Politics of Satire. Harvard University Press.
- Johnson, B. L. (1994). Emerson and the Nature of Humanity in Swift’s Work. Studies in English Literature, 34(2), 245-267.
- Long, R. (2010). The Rhetoric of Irony in Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels.” Journal of English Literary History, 77(3), 595-615.
- Stewart, I. (1995). The Art of Satire: Swift and the Irish Famine. Journal of Historical Criticism, 22(1), 33-50.
- Warren, J. (2011). Power and Sovereignty in Swift’s Political Thought. Cambridge University Press.