Satire's Role in 18th-Century Political Discourse

Satire's Role in 18th-Century Political Discourse During the Enlightenment, satire became a powerful tool for critiquing the elite, exemplified by Jonathan Swift's work. His portrayal of Robert Walpole in 'Gulliver's Travels' as Flimnap, a corrupt treasurer, highlighted political hypocrisy. Swift's sharp humor and public pamphlets galvanized opposition against Walpole, showcasing how satire influenced political discourse and laid the groundwork for modern editorial cartoons. #satire, #Enlightenment, #political humor, #Jonathan Swift, #cartoons Fact 7: 18th-Century Satire Skewered the Elite The Enlightenment's satire, led by Swift and Voltaire, targeted hypocrisy via print and cartoons. Coffeehouse wit and women writers like Montagu added sharp commentary. Specific Case: Jonathan Swift (1667–1745) mocked Robert Walpole, Britain's first prime minister, in Gulliver's Travels (1726). Seen as corrupt, Walpole inspired the character of Flimnap, a rope-dancing treasurer in Lilliput who "leaps highest for the king's favor." Swift's line, Readers recognized the satire, and Walpole's allies tried to suppress the book. Swift's humor, spread via pamphlets, galvanized public opinion against Walpole. This case illustrates how 18th-century satire used humor to critique power, shaping political discourse and modern editorial cartoons.