Satirical works of Kshemendra (study)
by Arpana Devi | 2017 | 60,954 words
This page relates ‘Summary of A Tale of a Tub’ part of the study on the Satirical works of Kshemendra: an 11th century poet from Kashmir, who composed three satirical works. Kshemendra himself says that in composing the satirical works his only motive is to reform the mindset of the people.—He exposes all the vices and follies prevailing in the society with the intention to reform it.
8.4. Summary of A Tale of a Tub
A Tale of a Tub is another remarkable satirical work of Jonathan Swift. It is the earliest and one of the most important of Swift’s works. The work is a prose satire composed about 1696 and published in 1704. The work is allegorical satire which deals with the religious abuses and schism, in the persons of Peter, Martin and Jack. Peter symbolizes the Roman church; Martin, the Anglican and Jack, the Presbyterian sect. In the preface, Swift explains the title that sailors toss a tub overboard to distract a whole that might attack their ship; in the same way Swift’s work my act as a decoy to deflect destructive criticism from the state and established religion. The work is an amalgamation of Swift’s intellectual power, adept irony, caustic mockery, horrifying humour and immense spirit. A Tale of a Tub is a noteworthy satire on corruptions in religion and learning. It is a fierce satire on the churches of his time.