What was Jonathan Swift’s relationship with Esther Johnson?

Jonathan Swift’s relationship with Esther Johnson—whom he affectionately called "Stella"—was a lifelong, close friendship that began when he served as her tutor during her childhood at Moor Park.12

While it has been asserted that the two were secretly married in 1716, there is no evidence to support this claim, and they never lived together. Swift consistently described their bond as one of friendship rather than romantic love. Their connection is famously documented in the Journal to Stella, a series of letters Swift wrote to her and her companion, Rebecca Dingley, between 1710 and 1713, as well as in various poems he dedicated to her, such as On Stella’s Birthday.231

The nature of their relationship is sometimes discussed in the context of Swift's acquaintance with Esther Vanhomrigh ("Vanessa"), who followed him to Ireland; however, scholars maintain that theories regarding the precise dynamics between these individuals remain speculative and lack solid evidence.3