The Tale of a Tub and The History of Martin (Annotated)

Book excerpt: Differentiated book- It has a historical context with research of the time-This book contains a historical context, which helps us understand this literary work. We must pay special attention to those events that especially influenced the world of culture and art and also to those events that were especially reflected in literature, in the life of its writer or that affected it. There are many examples in which historical events have shaped the content and forms of literature, as well as this has often been the best testimony to the importance of certain events throughout history. This context is formed by everything that, in some way, influences the event when it happens. A fact is always tied to its time: that is, to its period.The Tale of a Tub and The History of Martin by Jonathan Swift.Published anonymously in 1704, this prose satire by the author of Gulliver's Travels features a story of three brothers, each of whom symbolizes a Christian sect, and a series of unrelated digressions. The part of the "story" centers on Peter, Martin and Jack, who respectively represent Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism and other dissident Protestant sects. Accused of keeping their coats, the Christian faith, as issued, the brothers immediately proceed to make modifications. Jonathan Swift's historical allegory ridicules conflicts between religious factions, and his digressions offer ironic views of contemporary trends in literature, politics, and theology.