In this text Swift explains a proposal for helping the destitute Irish. He introduces us to the frustration he faced at the incompetence of Ireland's politicians, the double standards of the wealthy, the tyranny of the English, and the filth and degradation that many Irish people were living in. It also shows the annoyance he faced with the fact that the Irish refused to do anything to help them escape the filth and degradation that they were living in. His compassion for the Irish is a severe one and includes critique on their inability to mobilize on their own behalf. He parodies the usual political pamphleteering for proposals on helping Ireland. Although this text is written in a satirical method, Swift also has some very serious points on solutions to the problems in Ireland. His main goal in this writing is to lead people to a think of a workable solution. Unlike most texts the writer intends for the audience to see through what he is saying and realize he …show more content…
The text in entirety is ironic because it is not meant to be taken seriously. It is meant to lead the reader to find a solution that is reasonable. Even the title uses irony in the fact that Swifts proposal is anything but modest. It is an absurd thought that a rational person would propose and partake in cannibalism. He also uses irony to show that the Irish deserve better treatment and should not be treated like animals. He does this by comparing the Irish children to animals as in this instance: "I rather recommend buying the children alive, and dressing them hot from the knife, as we do roasting pigs." Irony is also present in the fact that Swift makes the comment that this proposal would not affect him as his children are grown and his wife is infertile and cannot bear any more children. Therefore, before an analysis can happen, you have to realize that this is strictly a fictional work and Swift had no intention of pursuing his