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What subjects did Jonathan Swift write about besides fiction?
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Jonathan Swift
Jonathan Swift, detail of an oil painting by Charles Jervas, c. 1718; in the National Portrait Gallery, London.
Beyond his work in fiction, Jonathan Swift was a prolific writer who produced a wide variety of non-fictional texts, including essays, poetry, and pamphlets.12
His non-fiction writing often focused on the following subjects:
- Politics and Public Affairs: Swift was a prominent political writer and served as the chief pamphleteer for the Tory party. He edited the journal The Examiner and wrote influential works such as The Conduct of the Allies, which supported peace negotiations with France.13
- Social and Economic Issues in Ireland: He frequently addressed the dire conditions in Ireland, famously critiquing the English governmentâs legal and economic exploitation of the country. His Drapierâs Letters attacked schemes involving currency, while his essays often urged the Irish to take action to improve their own circumstances.14
- Religion and Philosophy: As an Anglican clergyman, Swift wrote extensively on religious orthodoxy and defended the Church of England against both Nonconformists and "free thinkers" who questioned established doctrines.13
- Personal Correspondence: His Journal to Stella provides a detailed, personal account of his life and political activities in London between 1710 and 1713.3