The Poor Proposal Rhetorical Analysis

“The Poor Proposals”
What should be done about the poor? This question has brought about many differences in opinion, as well as proposed solutions. By using Pathos, Ethos, and Logos we are able to analyze the writer’s effectiveness. When comparing “A Modest Proposal” written by Jonathan Swift and “Life Boat Ethics: The Case Against Helping the Poor” written by Garrett Hardin, we are able to determine which is the more effective piece. The effectiveness of a writer’s work plays a key role in the ability to keep the reader involved.
Swift uses a Pathos based form of persuasion based on emotion. He describes the poor with sarcasm, anger, and resentment. This is evident when Swift writes, “It is a melancholy object to those, who walk through this great town, or travel in the country, when they see the streets, the roads, and cabin doors, crowded with beggars of the female sex, followed by three, four, or six children, all in rags,” (385). Then he shocks them with fear, savagery, and inhumane ideas. Again we see this in his work, “Those who are

We see this in Hardin’s work when he writes, “The net result of conscience-stricken people giving up their unjustly held seats is the elimination of that sort of conscience from the lifeboat.” (172). Swift uses Ethos to get the reader’s attention. This is seen when he writes, “Then as to the females, it would, I think, with humble submission, be a loss to the public, because they soon would become breeders themselves,” (389).
After analyzing these works it is evident Swift has the more effective piece. His use of a more emotional based persuasion method keeps the reader s attention. This helps in persuading them to look at the real meaning of the piece. Hardin seemed more cold and uncaring as if the poor doesn’t matter. Using Pathos, Logos, and Ethos to analyze the effectiveness of the proposals helps the reader to better understand the