SWIFT ON SOCIETY

Jonathan Swift greatly championed the rights of the Irish lower classes, and for this reason, is often regarded as an Irish patriot. He resented the government for their disregard of the lower classes and his works reflected this. The remark that follows was published in 1711 by Jonathan Swift in his book, “The Conduct of the Allies”. It references the London coffee houses, which were a popular place in which higher class men (and only men) met to discuss various matters. With the quote below, Swift attempts to inform the authorities of the kingdom that the voice of the kingdom's lower classes matters too.