British Imperialism in James Joyce's "The Dead" and Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal".

The relationship shared between Ireland and its imperialistic patriarch England, has been a long and tumultuous one. Throughout centuries of British rule, millions of Irish citizens have suffered at the hands of the English, causing an air of unrest which continues to exist today. As is often the case with high profile struggles, literature has played an important role in both encouraging and condemning the circumstances in which the people of Ireland are forced to …

…Swift seem to suggest that there is underlying confusion which needs to be addressed if Britain and Ireland are ever to forgive one and another, and move on. They believe both sides are flawed, and by further fostering a hate for each other, they will accomplish very little. Whether Ireland and its culture have been eaten up by Britain is unknown to most, but Jonathan Swift and James Joyce definitely make examining this argument fascinating.