A Modest Proposal
Unlike most essays, Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" is written for the reader to see through what the narrator is expressing. The narrator does not want the reader to agree that the solution to overpopulation and poverty in Ireland is to eat babies, he wants the reader to see there needs to be a practical solution. By stating the advantages and objections to his proposal, using ironic words and phrases, he directs the reader not to see the apparent, but the implicit. Swift's narrative voice metaphorically compares the Irish to pigs and cows, which implies the Irish are being treated subhumanly. Although something seems one way to the narrator, Jonathan Swift wants the reader to see it in an opposite light. Firstly, the narrative voice begins the essay by describing the deplorable conditions in which the Irish peasants are living. He demonstrates there is a serious problem with a great need for a solution. He then suggests a solution and then lists a whole list of advantages. His propsal of eating the Irish babies is followed by advantages such as "by the sale of their children, [the parents would] be rid of the charge of maintaining them after the first year"(14). Another advantage is, as Swift put it, "the poorer
Listing advantages and claiming that there will be no objections, the narrator rationalizes his solution and consequently makes the reader believe his suggestion will be one of insignificant content. He captures the attention of the reader by using irony, which is firstly evident in the title of the essay, "A Modest Proposal." His tone of voice detaches him emotionally by supporting this proposal with examples of how animals are bred, proposing that children be bred the same way. In conclusion, the narrator is deeply angry about the way in which the English treat the Irish peasants and he thinks something should be done. By stating the problems and proposing an extreme solution, he works with irony throughout the essay to allow his reader to see things on the flip-side. Swift's proposal is an antithesis to get the reader to see the contrary. Throughout the essay, ironic words and phrases are used to make the reader see that there is a discrepancy between the stated word or phrase and the implied meaning. The title of Swift's essay, "A Modest Proposal" implies that his suggestion will be one of insubstantial content, something simple and unassuming. As a solution to the poor standard of living of the Irish, the narrator suggests eating children of about one year old. This recommendation is ludicrous and not simple at all. The narrator is asking the Irish to revert to cannibalism, which not just eating other human beings, it includes their own children. When the narrator begins to introduce this preposterous proposal, he comments, "I shall now therefore humbly propose my own thoughts, which I hope will not be liable to the least objection." (11) He proposes the idea of eating the young and then downplays this ridiculous notion as being humble. Although the narrator is suggesting an appalling idea, he minimizes it as a humble thought by claiming it is something simpl
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1274
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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