Summary:
“Verses on the Death of Dr. Swift” is a satirical poem written by Jonathan Swift in 1731 and published in 1739. The poem is a self-reflective piece in which Swift imagines how people will react to his death. He explores themes of mortality, reputation, hypocrisy, and human nature, particularly focusing on how society tends to forget and move on quickly after someone’s passing.
Swift presents a humorous yet biting critique of human selfishness and how friends, critics, and society at large respond to the deaths of well-known individuals. He uses irony and wit to highlight the fleeting nature of fame and the insincerity of people’s grief. The poem also serves as a reflection on Swift’s own literary legacy and how he expects to be remembered by future generations.
Score: 0
Attempted: 0/10
Subscribe
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | Verses on the Death of Dr. Swift |
| Poet Name | Jonathan Swift |
| Year Written | 1731 |
| Year Published | 1739 |
| Main Themes | Mortality, hypocrisy, fleeting fame, satire |
| Literary Devices | Satire, irony, humor, self-reflection |
| Swift’s Perspective on Death | People quickly forget and move on |
| Criticism | Hypocrisy in society and the superficiality of fame |
| Tone | Witty, humorous, and reflective |