A modest proposal summary
Published in 1729, Jonathan Swift’s work “A Modest Proposal” criticises the profound domination and injustice of the people of Ireland by the privileged, prosperous English. Jonathan Swift uses a critical, yet satirical form to unveil the tragedies of poverty and hunger in Ireland. He does this by lamenting the sad fate of the hardship stricken Irish, explaining their lives to be nothing but begging, growing up to become a detriment to England. Jonathan Swift offers a simple proposal to the country: Fatten the poor, worthless Irish children to sell to the wealthy landowners to become a delicacy in food and clothing. He states in paragraph 10 (PLS REFERENCE) “A child will make two dishes at an entertainment- [the fore or hind quarter] seasoned with a little pepper or salt will be very good boiled on the fourth day.” He argues that by implementing his proposition, it will not only give the economy a boost to make up for the famines, but will greatly help the overpopulation of the needy and give those feasting on the children a higher social status. Throughout his essay, he makes his modest proposal feasible through confident statements and figures, explaining that with 100,000 Irish infants being reserved for meals will deal with unemployment, the economic downturn and most importantly keep the English from dealing with their unruly subjects. Jonathan Swift goes as far as offering recipes to the English to prepare their new dish and gives examples of how cannibalism is appropriate politically and financially. Throughout Swift’s entire proposal, he truly conveys with confidence the solution to many issues cannibalism will bring, and yet reveals the degradation and dire situation of the Irish, rarely dropping his satirical mask in the process.
Ultimately, Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” was written to present the severity of the situation in eighteenth century Ireland. Published in pamphlet form, it was readily available to the literate and privileged to
Ultimately, Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” was written to present the severity of the situation in eighteenth century Ireland. Published in pamphlet form, it was readily available to the literate and privileged to