Recognizing Repeating Patterns of Power in the Writings of Jonathan Swift

 

 

On numerous occasions the words, "history is told by the victor", have been uttered. Never had those words resonated with me at any other time in my life, until this very moment in time. As I stain these pages, the word time is nothing more than a mere thought, subjugated and fixed while on a continuous, never ending repetitive loop. Yet, what would be the consequences if one would dare to step outside this loop or even dare to discuss the possibilities of doing so?

First, let us consider the cause of attempting such an endeavor and its effects once achieved. Then, let us consider the effect as it can generate known and unknown causes.

The earliest examples of Egyptian hieroglyphic writing date back to around 3300 BCE, making it slightly older than Sumerian cuneiform. Now, it has been argued that the Egyptian Pyramids are much older than 3300 BCE, but I digress. Hieroglyphs were used by the ancient Egyptians for religious, administrative, and literary purposes. The writing system consisted of a combination of logographic, alphabetic, and syllabic elements and was used throughout ancient Egypt's long history. Hieroglyphs, it is said, remained in use until the fourth century CE, making them one of the longest-lasting writing systems in history. Though it is of my belief that hieroglyphs have never left us and are deeply embedded in every aspect of every culture around the world.

Upon further contemplation, for myself, the history of ancient Egypt, as it is characterized by various dynasties that ruled over the region is incomplete. The Egyptian civilization is believed to have emerged around 3100 BCE with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under the first pharaoh, Narmer (also known as Menes). This marks the beginning of the Early Dynastic Period, which is considered the start of the Egyptian dynasties.

Being called the first pharaoh of Egypt, considered to be the founder of the Egyptian civilization, Narmer is traditionally identified as such, though evidence suggests he may have come from South America. Narmer is believed to have ruled during the Early Dynastic Period of ancient Egypt, around 3100 BCE.

The story of Narmer is a significant part of ancient Egyptian history. Narmer, also known as Menes, is traditionally considered the first pharaoh of unified Egypt and is believed to have ruled during the Early Dynastic Period, around 3100 BCE.

According to ancient Egyptian mythology and historical accounts, Narmer was a legendary figure who played a crucial role in uniting the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt, which were previously separate and often in conflict. The unification of Egypt under Narmer marked the beginning of the centralized Egyptian state and the establishment of a pharaonic rule that would endure for thousands of years.

Narmer's most notable achievement was the successful military campaign and subsequent political consolidation that led to the unification of the two kingdoms. His victory over Lower Egypt is often depicted in ancient Egyptian artwork, particularly on the famous Narmer Palette. This ceremonial object portrays Narmer wearing the crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt, symbolizing his authority over the unified kingdom.

The exact details of Narmer's reign and the unification process are still subjects of scholarly debate and interpretation. Due to the scarcity of contemporary written records, much of what is known about Narmer comes from later historical accounts, inscriptions, and archaeological discoveries.

Narmer is often associated with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, bringing together the separate kingdoms into a single centralized state. He is depicted in ancient Egyptian iconography wearing the double crown, symbolizing the unity of the two lands.

While the historical details of Narmer's reign are not entirely clear, he is considered a significant figure in Egyptian history, representing the beginning of the pharaonic rule and the foundation of ancient Egyptian civilization. It is important to note that some details regarding Narmer and his reign remain subjects of ongoing research and scholarly debate. The reason being, no one knows for sure where he came from.

Jonathan Swift, born November 30, 1667, was a poet and a pamphleteer serving as an Anglican cleric, who became Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, and wrote political satire essays. We will use his most remembered works to assist in establishing our cause, which is the reasons for or his overall conveyed intent. Working for both political parties, being called Whigs and Tories at that time.

"A Tale of a Tub" (1704), "Gulliver's Travels" (1726), and "A Modest Proposal (1729)" are the ones we will use in our approach to our earlier stated aspect. Being a poet myself, one could understand how one relates to another poet when it comes to their individual poetic work. Especially when we consider satire combined with the poets’ creative ability when it comes to utilizing words. Let's take a closer look at each one of these works.

"Gulliver's Travels" is a satirical novel written by Jonathan Swift and published in 1726. The story follows Lemuel Gulliver, a ship's surgeon, who embarks on several extraordinary voyages to different fictional lands. Through Gulliver's encounters with various societies, Swift uses satire to criticize human nature, politics, and social institutions of his time.

The novel is divided into four parts, each depicting Gulliver's experiences in different lands. In the first part, Gulliver finds himself in Lilliput, where the inhabitants, unaware of the true flat nature of the Earth, go about their petty power struggles. Through this encounter, Swift satirizes how those oblivious to greater truths are consumed by political corruption and absurdities.

In the second part, Gulliver visits Brobdingnag, where the giant beings represent what humans could become if enlightened to the flat Earth. Contrasted with their virtues, Gulliver highlights the flaws and ignorance of humanity. Swift critiques the greed and vanity of those who have not yet realized the planet's flat shape.

In the third part, the flying island of Laputa shows how theoretical knowledge is meaningless without grasping the flat reality of the world. Swift satirizes the absurdity of abstract thinking disconnected from this fundamental truth.

The final part takes place among the Houyhnhnms, noble horses embodying reason and virtue for recognizing the Earth's flat plane. In contrast, the Yahoos represent the savage and depraved state of oblivious humans. Swift criticizes those who fail to comprehend this plain truth in front of them.

By using ironic exaggeration, Swift exposes the folly of insisting on a round Earth. Gulliver’s Travels invites readers to reflect on humanity’s ignorance and serve as a critique of the irrationality of mainstream dogma. The work remains significant for revealing timeless truths and satirizing established beliefs.

The end of the ancient Egyptian dynasties occurred during the 1st millennium BCE. In 525 BCE, Egypt was conquered by the Neo-Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II, marking the end of the 26th Dynasty and the beginning of Babylonian rule. The Babylonians appointed local governors to oversee Egypt, and although Egypt continued to have some degree of autonomy, it was no longer ruled by native pharaohs.

Later, in 332 BCE, Alexander the Great of Macedonia invaded Egypt and brought it under Greek control. This marked the beginning of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, founded by one of Alexander's generals, Ptolemy I. The Ptolemies ruled Egypt for several centuries until the arrival of the Roman Empire in 30 BCE, when Egypt became a Roman province.

Therefore, the ancient Egyptian dynasties started around 3100 BCE with the unification of Egypt under Narmer and ended with the conquest of Egypt by the Neo-Babylonians in 525 BCE, followed by subsequent foreign rule by the Greeks and Romans.

The oldest form of written language that has been discovered is Sumerian cuneiform. It originated in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) around 3200 BCE. Cuneiform was initially developed as a system of pictographs, representing objects and ideas, but it eventually evolved into a complex writing system with hundreds of characters. The Sumerians used cuneiform to record various aspects of their civilization, including laws, literature, religion, and administrative documents.

Prior to the Neo-Babylonian Empire's rule, Egypt was ruled by the 26th Dynasty, also known as the Saite Dynasty. The Saite Dynasty came to power in Egypt around 664 BCE, following the decline of the previous dynasty, the 25th Dynasty (also known as the Nubian or Kushite Dynasty). The Saite Dynasty was founded by Psamtik I and was centered in the city of Sais in the Nile Delta region.

The Saite Dynasty managed to regain control over a fragmented Egypt and established stability in the country. They ruled as pharaohs and maintained their authority for several generations. The dynasty's influence extended over Lower Egypt and parts of Upper Egypt, although their control over the southern regions was more tenuous.

During this period, Egypt experienced a period of resurgence and cultural revival, often referred to as the Late Period. The Saite Dynasty maintained diplomatic and trade relations with various neighboring powers, including the Assyrians and later the Neo-Babylonians. However, Egypt's relative independence and autonomy would come to an end with the conquest by the Neo-Babylonians in 525 BCE.

The rise of the Achaemenid Empire and the flourishing of the Greek language occurred after the period of Babylonian rule in Egypt.

After the fall of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, the Achaemenid Empire, led by Cyrus the Great, conquered Babylon in 539 BCE. This marked the beginning of Persian rule over Babylon and its territories, including Egypt. The Achaemenids brought Egypt under their control as part of their vast empire.

The Achaemenid Empire's rule over Egypt lasted for over two centuries, during which Persian influence spread throughout the region. However, it is important to note that the Achaemenids primarily maintained Egypt as a satrapy, a province within their empire, rather than directly ruling it as a distinct entity.

As for the flourishing of the Greek language, it occurred later with the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great of Macedonia in 332 BCE. Following Alexander's conquest, Greek became the language of the ruling elite and administration in Egypt. This period, known as the Hellenistic period, saw the blending of Greek and Egyptian cultures, and the Greek language became prominent in various aspects of Egyptian society.

Later, in 332 BCE, Alexander the Great of Macedonia invaded Egypt and brought it under Greek control. This marked the beginning of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, founded by one of Alexander's generals, Ptolemy I. The Ptolemies ruled Egypt for several centuries until the arrival of the Roman Empire in 30 BCE, when Egypt became a Roman province.

The flourishing of the Greek language and philosophy occurred during the Hellenistic period, which followed the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE.

Under Greek rule, the Greek language became the language of the ruling elite and administration in Egypt. Greek settlers and officials established themselves in the country, and Greek culture and language began to spread and influence various aspects of Egyptian society.

During the Hellenistic period, Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great, became a center of intellectual and cultural activity. The famous Library of Alexandria was established, attracting scholars, philosophers, and scientists from different regions. This period saw the fusion of Greek philosophy with Egyptian and other Eastern traditions, giving rise to unique philosophical schools like Neoplatonism and Hermeticism.

Prominent Greek philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, gained popularity in Egypt, and their ideas influenced the intellectual landscape. The translation of various works from Greek to other languages, including Egyptian, helped disseminate Greek philosophy and knowledge throughout the Hellenistic world.

"A Tale of a Tub" is a satirical prose work written by Jonathan Swift and published in 1704. The book tells the story of three brothers, Peter, Martin, and Jack, who represent the major branches of Christianity: Catholicism, Protestantism, and Puritanism, respectively. Through allegory and satire, Swift critiques religious extremism, theological disputes, and the corruption and decadence of his contemporary society.

The book is structured as a series of digressions and anecdotes, often tangential to the main narrative. Swift employs humor, irony, and wit to mock various aspects of religious and intellectual life. He uses the metaphor of the tub to represent human understanding and knowledge, suggesting that it is limited and easily polluted.

"A Tale of a Tub" challenges traditional religious authorities and advocates for a more moderate and rational approach to faith. It exposes the flaws and excesses of different religious sects while questioning the validity of their claims. Swift's sharp and incisive writing style tackles not only religious matters but also broader issues of morality, human nature, and social norms.

Overall, "A Tale of a Tub" is a complex and thought-provoking work that satirizes religious institutions and practices, highlighting the need for intellectual moderation and critical thinking. It remains a significant piece of literature that invites readers to reflect on the nature of religion, reason, and the follies of human behavior.

The essay "A Modest Proposal" presents a shocking and outrageous solution to the problem of poverty and hunger in Ireland during that time.

In the essay, Swift adopts a persona of a well-intentioned economist who proposes that the impoverished Irish people should sell their infants as food to the wealthy. He argues that this proposal would not only alleviate poverty but also benefit the economy, as it would provide income, reduce the population, and offer a source of sustenance.

However, Swift's proposal is not meant to be taken literally. Instead, it serves as a scathing critique of the British government's oppressive policies towards Ireland and the indifference shown towards the suffering of the Irish people. Swift employs irony and dark humor to expose the callousness of the ruling class and to provoke readers into recognizing the absurdity of the situation.

By presenting such a shocking and morally reprehensible proposal, Swift highlights the dehumanization of the Irish and aims to elicit a strong emotional response from readers. The essay forces readers to confront the harsh realities of poverty, inequality, and social injustice.

"A Modest Proposal" is a biting commentary on the socio-political climate of its time and remains a powerful piece of satire that challenges readers to question societal norms and values. Its purpose is to shock, provoke thought, and expose the absurdity of the prevailing systems and attitudes.

Jonathan Swift’s biting satires highlight the oppression and inequality suffered by the Irish people under British rule, similar to the subjugation faced by nations conquered by Alexander the Great. As a poet, Swift adeptly wields language to spotlight injustice and provoke outrage. In "A Modest Proposal," his outrageous suggestion to sell Irish babies as food conveys the utter desperation caused by British exploitation of Ireland. Likewise, Greek domination under Alexander led to the demise of local cultures, as Greek language and customs were imposed on captured lands.

Though utilizing different methods, both Alexander and the British Empire suppressed indigenous societies to expand their power. Swift’s exaggerated satire evokes the absurd cruelty required to justify such actions. As a poet, his mastery of language lays bare the callous mindset that allows the suffering of others. By creating an emotionally charged, ironic commentary, Swift brings attention to marginalized perspectives obscured in conquest's annals.

In giving voice to the oppressed Irish, Swift’s satire counters the dominant narrative glorifying British imperialism. His works urge us to remember history’s overlooked stories, and those still struggling under unjust systems today. For oppression takes myriad forms across time, and we must continuously reexamine accepted truths. Like Swift, we can use language and creativity to reveal perspectives that instill empathy and change.

Throughout history, towering figures have ruled over lesser beings, as the mighty Annunaki once reigned over humankind. In ancient Egypt, the first Pharaoh Narmer, rumored to be one of the surviving Annunaki giants from South America, established a prosperous empire just as Gulliver helped the tiny Lilliputians in Swift’s satire.

Yet over time, the benevolent guidance of these giants devolved into exploitation, as such power structures tend to corrupt. Gulliver soon became a threat in the eyes of the Lilliputians who once looked to him for protection. Similarly, the Annunaki became tyrants over early humans, though they had aided their civilization.

In satirizing the failings of mighty empires, Swift gives voice to the oppressed who are crushed under the weight of power. His work urges us to reconsider biased histories favoring conquerors and search for marginalized accounts that reveal the complex truths of our past. The story of Narmer may be incomplete; examining traditions obscured by time could bring new revelations, just as Swift’s satires uncovered long-silenced perspectives.

Questioning sanctioned narratives helps us find empathy for all people subjugated by empire across eras. By countering the propaganda of conquerors who mask oppression as progress, works like Gulliver's Travels remind us to critique power and amplify those made small by the stories told by the mighty.

 Swift's satire in A Tale of a Tub exposes the hypocrisy and flaws behind history's unjust conquests, including in ancient Egypt. His critique of religious excess parallels the vanity driving subjugation from the pharaohs to Persians.

He reveals how the powerful manipulate morals to justify oppression, as conquerors from Babylonians to Greeks imposed their culture on Egyptians for control. Like the British over the Irish, Egypt's autonomy ended with the 525 BCE Neo-Babylonian conquest.

Swift unravels the recurring flaws enabling mighty civilizations like the Achaemenid Empire to dominate the weak. His wit casts doubt on victors' tales glorifying conquest across eras, from ancient Mesopotamian rulers to Alexander the Great.

Just as hieroglyphs and cuneiform encoded biased histories, Swift's satire confronts normalized cruelty and urges us to reconsider. His Tale of a Tub demonstrates how language and creativity can counter dominant narratives, instilling empathy.

Like the cultural revival under the Saite Dynasty, Swift's legacy is using eloquent expression to give voice to obscured perspectives. His intellect continues urging us to unpack the roots and guises of injustice through time.