Summary:
“The Progress of Beauty” is a satirical poem written by Jonathan Swift in 1719. In this poem, Swift humorously criticizes the artificial nature of female beauty and the excessive reliance on cosmetics, makeup, and beauty treatments. He highlights how time, age, and artificial enhancements affect a woman’s appearance, revealing the temporary and deceptive nature of physical beauty.
Swift mocks the daily beauty rituals of women, suggesting that their beauty is not natural but rather the result of powders, creams, and perfumes. He contrasts the illusion of youthful beauty with the reality of aging, emphasizing that true beauty is fleeting and ultimately fades.
The poem reflects Swift’s satirical style, using witty rhymes, irony, and sharp humor to expose society’s obsession with superficial appearances. The themes of the poem include the fleeting nature of beauty, vanity, and the artificiality of appearances.
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| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | The Progress of Beauty |
| Poet Name | Jonathan Swift |
| Year Written | 1719 |
| Main Themes | Fleeting beauty, vanity, artificiality, deception |
| Literary Devices | Satire, irony, humor, rhymed couplets |
| Tone | Mocking, humorous, critical |
| Criticism | Overuse of cosmetics, obsession with beauty |
| Swift’s Message | Beauty is temporary and society’s obsession with it is misguided |