Becoming a Mother
Defining Qualities of an Essay and Short Stories An essay is a composition that defends a position or opinion, also called a thesis, which has been put forth by the author. The thesis contains the claim or the subject that the essay is about. Swift’s A Modest Proposal is about the women and children of Ireland and the terrible condition of their lives. His thesis clearly makes a statement and he clearly defends his claim. He states “For preventing the children of poor people in Ireland, from being a burden on their parents or country, and for making them beneficial to the publick.” This sentence or statement clearly sets the stage for the essay. It clearly defines the topic he discusses in the essay. The body of the essay contains paragraphs that support the thesis. The paragraphs give details and states facts that help to prove the claim that is made in the introduction of the essay. Swift’s paragraphs are very detailed and describe the scene of the women and children begging in the streets, the children in nothing but rags, running around with no guidance. He describes all of this to support his proposal. He gives a good sales pitch in order to capture the reader’s attention thus proving his point and selling his idea to sell infants at one year of age to be eaten. This proposal will help control the population and put the mothers to work. He states “Thus the square will learn to be a good landlord, and grow popular among his tenants, the mother will have eight shillings meat profit, and be fit for work till she produces another child.” He gives very vivid details about what he thinks will help resolve the deplorable conditions in Ireland. Again, he is elaborating on his statement and proving his claim. The conclusion of an essay summarizes all of the writer’s claims as Swift does in his essay. “I profess, in the sincerity of my heart, that I have not the least personal interest in endeavoring to promote this necessary work, having no