Literature is very subjective and can be analyzed in many different ways. Authors have the ability to be very straight forward in their approaches or maybe use an alternative method, being subtler in their actions. Satire is no different. In “A Modest Proposal”, by Jonathan Swift, he straight forward attacks the Irish government for their actions. Also, in Wendy Molyneux’s “I Am Sorry That I Didn’t Write a Comedy Piece”, she backhandedly scorns men for holding women to such an irrational scale. Both of these pieces are great explanations of what satire is and how topic thought to be rather narrow, can be greatly expanded upon. Through understanding Swift’s conventions of the satire genre and Molyneux’s new age use of conventions, the reader is able to see how Molyneux has advanced the genre to be a more effective mode.

“A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift is a classic satire piece used to ridicule the Irish government for the blasphemous way they are treating citizens. He jokingly alludes to how the common folk will have to eat their own children to combat the famine they are experiencing. Swift sticks to the classic structure of satirical stories by exposing others for their own stupidity within his piece. He is able to serve as the lens text for readers, and act as a base for comparison for the textbook satirical structure. 

In Ben Jonson's Epigrammes and the Conventions of Formal Verse Satire, by Jack Winner, he explains the classic use of satire throughout time when he says, “On the surface these lines proceed straightforwardly enough, but in implication they are both compact and highly allusive” (Winner 62). Winner explains that satire is a basic genre because of its simplistic structure however, the true meaning comes out in the implication of the words. Satire is defined as the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices; particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues. Swift uses these outlined conventions to frame his point. For example, Swift is able to take a jab at the government when he says, “As to our City of Dublin, shambles may be appointed for this purpose, in the most convenient parts of it, and butchers we may be assured will not be wanting; although I rather recommend buying the children alive, and dressing them hot from the knife, as we do roasting pigs” (Carolina Reader 516). The city of Dublin is located within Ireland and is known for their poor living conditions. This is a jab at the government because he believes they will only help when it is convenient and beneficial for them. If not, the government will not intervene to help the citizens. The reader is able to infer here that the City of Dublin refers to their overseeing government. In this portion of the story, Swift is able to focus on the government of Ireland and their actions. This is effective for his satire because he perfectly centers his focus throughout the story. Swift keeping this focus allows him to attack them from all angles, as opposed to splitting time addressing multiple topics. Satire as a genre is very broad, and by no means has one single defined structure, however Swift’s use is proper, and is able to be used across wide spread platforms. The kind of satire Swift uses is so universal because it is very allegorical of common struggles seen by everyone. In his piece he addresses the political struggles of the Irish government, however it could be applied to any topic due to his use of proper formatting and conventions. His style of keeping the focus constant is able to be replicated in many situations because of its commonality in conventions, which make Swift’s piece the perfect outline of satire.

In I Am Sorry That I Didn’t Write a Comedy Piece by Wendy Molyneux, she uses satire to address the stereotypes women face in society. The difference between Molyneux’s piece and Swift’s piece, other than the content, is how they use satire. Molyneux strays from the conventional structure used in works such as Swift’s. She is able to mock others by making fun of herself first.  She makes Christopher Hitches and all other men that believe women should be held at such a ludicrous standard look stupid throughout her entire piece. For example, Molyneux plays off of the stereotypes put into fruition by men when she explains, “I sat down in my bay window (filled with pillows that I knitted myself while waiting by the phone for a potential husband to call) and opened my pink laptop, I happened to see a lady walking down the street with a baby of her very own. So, then I started crying again because I don’t have a baby” (Carolina Reader 521). This is obviously a made up situation, in which the author is able to make fun of men for having such dumb standards for women. Although certain things may be true, when they all culminate together, they do sound truly ridiculous, and Molyneux successfully accomplishes her plan of belittling men. In addition to that point, Molyneux differs from Swift in the fact that she places herself within the stories. Being a character in the story makes the content seem much more relatable for the reader, as they feel that could be them. This is very effective for the genre as it expands the possibilities of what an author is able to do. Contrary, in Swifts work, he does not place himself in the story which makes it seem less realistic and limits the genres ability overall.

Another way Molyneux changes the conventions is by altering the focus point during the story. Throughout the story the attention is on women, however she is not making fun of women. Although this is unconventional satire, it is very successful in managing to getting her message across to the general public. For example, within the story Molyneux changes from women as the subject to men when she says, “I guess it’s time for me to get serious about writing this comedy piece. Emoticon. I mean, probably shouldn’t even try to write a comedy piece since Christopher Hitchens wrote an article in Vanity Fair saying that women just aren’t funny. He’s probably right” (Carolina Reader 522). In this section of text, the focus goes from her trying to write this comedy piece to Christopher Hitches. This completely defies the conventions of satire, as it changes the subject from one thing to another. The reason for changing the focal point during the story for Molyneux allows her diversify the story and constantly keep the reader on their toes, and actively reading. This is more effective for the genre because it allows for more freedom in the writer’s ideas, conversely expanding the genre

Previous expectations were that satirical pieces were to be focused on a single object, similar to Swift’s. But, Molyneux’s work showcases the diversity and potential the genre of satire has even if a small change is made, such as allowing multiple focuses. Readers are trained to focus on one object within the text, but to take into consideration everything else also. Jonathan Swift’s piece is so simple-minded because he takes no risk in his writing. He attacks easy targets and does nothing to further the genre. He sticks to the same old conventional satire pieces, not getting out of his shell to see what other opportunities are possible. This leaves the genre in a stagnant place where it is unable to expand and better itself. However, when Wendy Molyneux writes she attacks difficult opponents in unusual ways. Not only does this catch the attention of the reader, it entices them to keep reading. When people read her story, they are engaged, possibly. Yet, if another author reads her work, they will become inspired to break new boundaries within the genre and further develop the genre.

Although the satire genre is well known, there are so many facets that are relatively unexplored, that when found will greatly expand the genre. Jonathan Swift’s conventional way of telling a story using satire is effective. However, Wendy Molyneux’s new ground breaking way has reshaped the genre forever. In her piece, she breaks conventions by making fun of herself, and by changing the focal point within the story. These two tactics that were unknown before and thought to be off limits by many others. When multiple subjects are introduced the entire playing field shifts, and the reader is now required to be more engaged in the text, making it more likely for readers to continue reading these types of works and further exploring the genre. As well, when Molyneux makes fun of herself it makes it funnier for everyone and relatable; which in turn will lead to other authors exploring and expanding the genre. Molyneux’s “I Am Sorry That I Didn’t Write a Comedy Piece” goes well beyond just a simple satirical piece, used for humor; it is used to transform a genre of literature from old age to a new style. 
