A Modest Proposal

2 Pages 459 Words

Jonathon Swift
“A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland from Being a Burden to their Parents or Country, and for Making them Beneficial to the Public,” or, now simply known as “A Modest Proposal”. Published by, Jonathon Swift has become one of the most controversial writings of all time. This work has a stream of literary techniques including: satire, irony, and criticism. Jonathon Swift’s home country in Ireland was suffering from poverty and he felt someone needed to accept blame. Swift felt that the British held the responsibility of the colony of Ireland. The people of Ireland were starving and dying, even though no one seem to observe or to be concerned. Until Swift stepped in it, nothing could get the attention of the British. He knew the only way to get attention would be to do something extreme and unbelievable.
Swift’s proposal suggested Irish poverty would be solved by the sale of the poor stricken children for consumption. This way, no one would be famished, and Swift guaranteed that children were the finest of food.
“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, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee or a ragout.”

Although Swift was not earnest when he wrote this piece. This style of writing is called satire. Swift is simply pointing out British shortcomings by using sarcasm and irony. He does not truly believe what he wrote, nor did he have the same values as the “persona” he has created in the essay.
The passage is also about criticism. Swift goes to great lengths to imply the British government is greedy, hypocritical and insensitive. Greedy by recognizing the problem, and still charging high rents, and taxes. Swift feels the British governm...