Swift’s War and Peace

Abstract This article considers some of the military and diplomatic contexts which have been neglected in study eighteenth-century mock-heroic literature, with a particular focus on early satires Swift. Typically, literature is seen as skilful exercise kind literary style, individual are usually contextualized by setting them alongside epics (e.g., Iliad or Aeneid) they seem to parody. takes slightly different approach Swift’s against background Grand Alliance wars Louis XIV (1688–1714), taking another look at his relationship retired diplomat ambassador Sir William Temple. As will be discussed, Temple’s essay ‘Of Heroic Virtue’ offered Swift model civil heroism could defended advocated satire, it influence period’s diplomatic, political, legal writings occupy core this discussion.