How Swift and Plath Manipulate Reality Essay

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Introduction

The authors might use specific language and approaches to convey the message or make readers think about a particular idea. It might also imply manipulating the narration to present reality or truth from various angles. For instance, A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift is a satirical essay touching on relevant social issues.

Discussion

The author suggests Irish children can be sold to rich gentlemen and ladies as it would help their parents to survive. Swift (2010) says, “I fortunately fell upon this proposal, which, as it is wholly new, so it hath something solid and real” (p. 125). It might seem that the author describes reality and offers some concrete ideas. However, readers realize that the author manipulates his narration to add specific meanings to his words and show the real problem, which is poverty among Irish families and their inability to feed their children.

Sylvia Plath uses a similar approach to present the truth from a specific angle. Throughout the poem, she speaks about death and resurrection, comparing herself to Lazarus, the biblical character who was revived by Jesus. She says, “I have done it again. / One year in every ten” (Plath, 1992, para. 1-2), appealing to the miraculous salvation. However, reading the poem, it is possible to understand that Plath speaks about her personal suffering and suicidal attempts. It means that her return to life happens only due to the support of close people.

Conclusion

In such a way, the truth is not as evident as it seems initially, as the author manipulates reality and narration. In such a way, both Swift and Plath use specific language to hide ideas they want to express. Presenting it from different angles, the famous authors make readers understand the hidden message and make it stronger.

References

Plath, S. (1992). . Poetry Foundation. Web.

Swift, J. (2010). Swift Irish writings. Palgrave McMillan.

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IvyPanda. (2024) 'How Swift and Plath Manipulate Reality'. 3 January.

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IvyPanda. 2024. "How Swift and Plath Manipulate Reality." January 3, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/how-swift-and-plath-manipulate-reality/.

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IvyPanda. "How Swift and Plath Manipulate Reality." January 3, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/how-swift-and-plath-manipulate-reality/.

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