A Tale of a Tub by Swift

[dark desire]

Somebody on this forum recently said that it is an easy text to read. I am in disagreement with this. I want some clarification. After it's publication several 'keys' were published to offer a commentary on the text which means that it was difficult text to understand. For readers of the later centuries, the English language changed which complicated the reading of the text further. So in what ways is/was the text easy to read?

[Charles Darnay]

I think A tale of a Tub is one of the most difficult - if not the most difficult - text I have read. But I suppose if you only care what is on the surface of the text then it is very simple: three brothers stand as analogies for different religious interpretations and act as a satire on religious establishments. Done. But there is so much more.

[dark desire]

Did you like it? I lufffed it! I am trying my hands on writing something satirical myself and that book is one great inspiration. I feel all the criticism that he points at Moderns is applicable even now. Tough to crack the code though! Have an exam on the book tomorrow.