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Jonathan Swift's Proposal Essay

706 Words3 Pages

In this piece of literature, we find ourselves disturbed by the solution provided by Jonathan Swift. By the year 1729, the people of Ireland suffered from overpopulation, poverty and disease. Not only does his proposal sound horrifying, but it seems like it is very ironic how simple it can be to solve problems that we still have today. Swift suggests that the people consume their kids by the time they reach the age of one. Furthermore, the essay was written to convince the people of why the proposal should be adopted.

In my opinion and for the sake of the time being I agree with Swift's proposal and view of the future of Ireland. For starters, his major goal is to find the perfect way to solve the many problems they face. As we can observe …show more content…

Swift also states the positive outcomes to health and the best way to consume the child. "Infant's flesh will be in season throughout the year, but more plentiful in March, and a little before and after; for we are told by a grave author, an eminent French physician, that fish being a prolific diet, there are more children born in Roman Catholic countries about nine months after Lent than at any other season; therefore, reckoning a year after Lent, the markets will be more glutted than usual, because the number of popish infants is at least three to one in this kingdom: and therefore it will have one other collateral advantage, by lessening the number of papists among us." (par 14) Because it is in our best interest to survive and compete with one another, an innocent and helpless baby could not fight back or be able to comprehend what is happening. It is in our nature to have an advantage that will benefit our species and a small child is not going to get in the way of that. It seems likely that if in the 1700s it was not morally wrong to think about eating a child it could have solve the …show more content…

"Some persons of a desponding spirit are in great concern about that vast number of poor people, who are aged, diseased, or maimed, and I have been desired to employ my thoughts what course may be taken to ease the nation of so grievous an encumbrance." (par 20) Getting the attention of the mothers by giving them a sign of relief that they will not have to take care of their children anymore. Also, making them realize that there would be positive outcomes and giving up their child would make them gain much more. It also reveals to them that this proposal can simply be a business and a very effective way to have kids without having to worry about their financial stability or safekeeping of their

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