English Literature

Literature oftentimes reflects a countrys culture and peoples conflicts, struggles  aspirations, as well as social relations. A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift and The Man to Send Rain Clouds by Leslie Marmon Silko are clear-cut illustrations. These two well-written literary selections mirror distinct cultures and racial identities.  Using different writing styles, Swift and Silko captivate their readers and make them want to keep reading using descriptive details gleaned from their own personal experiences and keen observations, coupled with literary devices. Jonathan Swift uses a satirical style, while Silko shows an engaging storytelling style replete with descriptive details. Comparing the writing style of two authors shows that there are unique  engaging ways to present societal truths, and the authors cultural background can have a major influence or impact on a literary piece.

Discussion
A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift begins in an almost oratorical but candid manner, presenting with absolute frankness how he feels about the underprivileged womenfolk from his homeland, Ireland, who have more children than they can support. In order to express the wretched conditions that he foresees the children in Ireland to experience sooner or later, the Anglo-Irish writer assumes the tone of a concerned public citizen and suggests a radical way of dealing with overpopulation and dismal economic condition in Ireland  impoverished parents can sell their children to the elite to be eaten as succulent delicacies. Clearly the technique of non-rational appeal can be effective in getting reader attention and possibly instigating people to act on a grim social reality.

Jonathan Swift offers his startlingly bizarre proposal using a straightforward manner, as follows  I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food (James and Merickel 231). It may be surmised that the author wanted to spur people to action rather than just lament  a societal truth. He uses dramatic irony to satirize a social ill, namely poverty, and possibly rouse individuals and institutions from their complacency.

Swift presents his argumentative points in a matter-of-fact manner, while utilizing Middle English words, like when he remonstrates another evil in the line, There is likewise another great advantage in my scheme, that it will prevent those voluntary abortions, and that horrid practice of women murdering their bastard children, alas (James  Merickel 230).

Using a first person point of view, Swift presents arguments backed up by numerical estimates and shows a perceptive stance in presenting a critical view of the society to which he belongs. He paints a bleak picture for children of poor Irish parents who will carry on the perpetual scene of misfortunes as they have since gone through the oppression of landlords, the impossibility of paying rent without money or trade, the want of common sustenance, with neither house nor clothes to cover them from the inclemencies of the weather, and the most inevitable prospect of entailing the like or greater miseries upon their breed for ever (James  Merickel 235).

Being an Irish himself lends much credibility to Jonathan Swifts argumentative point.  By using eloquent language to express his sentiments about societal truths, he certainly engages the reader while also revealing that an authors audacity  to challenge established norms  values can be put to great use, notably by spurring people to think  act.

The Man to Send Rain Clouds by Leslie Marmon Silko, on the other hand, is a simply yet poignant tale about how two cultures can interlock, especially in the face of great misfortune. To highlight the mythical and historic backgrounds, as well as rituals of  the Indian -American race, Silko uses using the third person point of view and rich descriptive details. She utilizes literary devices like symbolisms and similes, like in the line the water fell through the light from sundown like August rain that fell while the sun was still shining, almost evaporating before it touched the wilted squash flowers (Silko par. 37).

While there is a tragedy that is brought to readers attention at the start of the short story, Silko focuses mainly on the concerns, idiosyncrasies and beliefs of her fellow native Americans. Aside from making the reader want to read further, mainly by drawing attention to unique cultural practices and the enthralling landscape, she imparts in subtle manner deeper issues like how two cultures may come together in an unexpected way. Possible symbolisms of nature may be gleaned in the line, Leon turned to look up at the high blue mountains in the deep snow that reflected a faint red light from the west (Silko par. 39) Just like Jonathan Swift, Silkos racial origins helped in the accurate presentation of historical details and nuances befitting the characters portrayed. The main difference is that while  Swift relied mainly on satire and wit to expose and attack human frailties, particularly helplessness and foolishness in begetting more offsprings than Irish families can support, Silko used objective storytelling style and description to effectively convey her message.

Conclusion
Literature can truly depict culture and the identity, struggles and aspirations of a people, but it can only do so in a powerful  effective way through the authors skills. Jonathan Swift and Leslie Marmon Silko are two  such writers whose racial identities render them powerful voices who can bring social realities and issues into the consciousness of people in unique and creative ways.