How Is Satire Used In A Modest Proposal

The Immodest Proposal Envision you are living in Ireland in 1729, a country full of poverty and desperation. You pick up a pamphlet called “A Modest Proposal” written by a famous author, Jonathan Swift. As you flip through the pages, you come across a bone-chilling proposition; babies of poverty-stricken families will be able to “contribute to the feeding, and partly to the clothing of many thousands” (2). This proposal was contradictory of modest but could help control Ireland’s poverty epidemic, overpopulation, and the countries overall standing. In times of desperation, people may seek unthinkable options to find a solution, and in this case, Swift was one of those people. Satire is used as a main technique throughout this whole piece. Swift is a personable character and proposes what he believes is an intelligent solution, and keenly announces he has found “a fair, cheap, and easy method of making these children sound, useful members of the commonwealth” (1). His proposal is very satirical, and he specifically uses the young Irish children as the main advantage in his satire. His use of this technique makes his argument sound extremely effective. Swift as the character is certain that his well-researched, reasonable quick-fix proposal will demolish Ireland’s poverty and

He states, “This food would likewise bring great customs to taverns … and consequently have their houses frequented by all the fine gentlemen, who justly value themselves upon their knowledge in good eating: and a skillful cook, who understands how to obligate his guests, will contrive to make it as expensive as they please” (5). The character’s proposal suggests an appetizing advantage; not only will children make a delicious meal, but taverns will benefit financially. The author’s perplexing tone pulls in the reader and demonstrates that the wealthy hold the capability of getting whatever they so