A Modest Proposal Analysis

(note: 1729 famous satire)
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FOR PREVENTING THE CHILDREN OF POOR PEOPLE IN IRELAND FROM BEING A BURDEN TO THEIR PARENTS OR COUNTRY, AND FOR MAKING THEM BENEFICIAL TO THE PUBLIC
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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 cabbin-doors crowded with beggars of the female sex, followed by three, four, or six children, all in rags, and importuning every passenger for an alms. These mothers instead of being able to work for their honest livelihood, are forced to employ all their time in stroling to beg sustenance for their helpless infants who, as they grow up, either turn thieves for want of work, or leave their dear native country, to fight for the Pretender in Spain, or sell themselves to the Barbadoes.
I think it is agreed by all parties, that this prodigious number of children in the arms, or on the backs, or at the heels of their mothers, and frequently of their fathers, is in the present deplorable state of the kingdom, a very great additional grievance; and therefore whoever could find out a fair, cheap and easy method of making these children sound and useful members of the common-wealth, would deserve so well of the publick, as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation.
But my intention is very far from being confined to provide only for the children of professed beggars: it is of a much greater extent, and shall take in the whole number of infants at a certain age, who are born of parents in effect as little able to support them, as those who demand our charity in the streets.
As to my own part, having turned my thoughts for many years, upon this important subject, and maturely weighed the several schemes of our projectors, I have always found them grossly mistaken in their computation. It is true, a child just dropt from its dam, may be supported by her milk, for a solar year, with little other nourishment: at most not above the value of two shillings, which the mother may certainly get, or the value in scraps, by her lawful occupation of begging; and it is exactly at one year old that I propose to provide for them in such a manner, as, instead of being a charge upon their parents, or the parish, or wanting food and raiment for the rest of their lives, they shall, on the contrary, contribute to the feeding, and partly to the cloathing of many thousands.
There is likewise another great advantage in my scheme, that it will prevent those voluntary abortions, and that horrid practice of women murdering their bastard children, alas! too frequent among us, sacrificing the poor innocent babes, I doubt, more to avoid the expence than the shame, which would move tears and pity in the most savage and inhuman breast.
The number of souls in this kingdom being usually reckoned one million and a half, of these I calculate there may be about two hundred thousand couple whose wives are breeders; from which number I subtract thirty thousand couple, who are able to maintain their own children, (although I apprehend there cannot be so many, under the present distresses of the kingdom) but this being granted, there will remain an hundred and seventy thousand breeders. I again subtract fifty thousand, for those women who miscarry, or whose children die by accident or disease within the year. There only remain an hundred and twenty thousand children of poor parents annually born. The question therefore is, How this number shall be reared, and provided for? which, as I have already said, under the present situation of affairs, is utterly impossible by all the methods hitherto proposed. For we can neither employ them in handicraft or agriculture; we neither build houses, (I mean in the country) nor cultivate land: they can very seldom pick up a livelihood by stealing till they arrive at six years old; except where they are of towardly parts, although I confess they learn the rudiments much earlier; during which time they can however be properly looked upon only as probationers: As I have been informed by a principal gentleman in the county of Cavan, who protested to me, that he never knew above one or two instances under the age of six, even in a part of the kingdom so renowned for the quickest proficiency in that art.
I am assured by our merchants, that a boy or a girl before twelve years old, is no saleable commodity, and even when they come to this age, they will not yield above three pounds, or three pounds and half a crown at most, on the exchange; which cannot turn to account either to the parents or kingdom, the charge of nutriments and rags having been at least four times that value.
I shall now therefore humbly propose my own thoughts, which I hope will not be liable to the least objection.
I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricasie, or a ragoust.
I do therefore humbly offer it to publick consideration, that of the hundred and twenty thousand children, already computed, twenty thousand may be reserved for breed, whereof only one fourth part to be males; which is more than we allow to sheep, black cattle, or swine, and my reason is, that these children are seldom the fruits of marriage, a circumstance not much regarded by our savages, therefore, one male will be sufficient to serve four females. That the remaining hundred thousand may, at a year old, be offered in sale to the persons of quality and fortune, through the kingdom, always advising the mother to let them suck plentifully in the last month, so as to render them plump, and fat for a good table. A child will make two dishes at an entertainment for friends, and when the family dines alone, the fore or hind quarter will make a reasonable dish, and seasoned with a little pepper or salt, will be very good boiled on the fourth day, especially in winter.
I have reckoned upon a medium, that a child just born will weigh 12 pounds, and in a solar year, if tolerably nursed, encreaseth to 28 pounds.
I grant this food will be somewhat dear, and therefore very proper for landlords, who, as they have already devoured most of the parents, seem to have the best title to the children.
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 prolifick dyet, there are more children born in Roman Catholick countries about nine months 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.
I have already computed the charge of nursing a beggar's child (in which list I reckon all cottagers, labourers, and four-fifths of the farmers) to be about two shillings per annum, rags included; and I believe no gentleman would repine to give ten shillings for the carcass of a good fat child, which, as I have said, will make four dishes of excellent nutritive meat, when he hath only some particular friend, or his own family to dine with him. Thus the squire will learn to be a good landlord, and grow popular among his tenants, the mother will have eight shillings neat profit, and be fit for work till she produces another child.
Those who are more thrifty (as I must confess the times require) may flea the carcass; the skin of which, artificially dressed, will make admirable gloves for ladies, and summer boots for fine gentlemen.
As to our City of Dublin, shambles may be appointed for this purpose, in the most convenient parts of it, and butchers we may be assured will not be wanting; although I rather recommend buying the children alive, and dressing them hot from the knife, as we do roasting pigs.
A very worthy person, a true lover of his country, and whose virtues I highly esteem, was lately pleased, in discoursing on this matter, to offer a refinement upon my scheme. He said, that many gentlemen of this kingdom, having of late destroyed their deer, he conceived that the want of venison might be well supply'd by the bodies of young lads and maidens, not exceeding fourteen years of age, nor under twelve; so great a number of both sexes in every country being now ready to starve for want of work and service: And these to be disposed of by their parents if alive, or otherwise by their nearest relations. But with due deference to so excellent a friend, and so deserving a patriot, I cannot be altogether in his sentiments; for as to the males, my American acquaintance assured me from frequent experience, that their flesh was generally tough and lean, like that of our school-boys, by continual exercise, and their taste disagreeable, and to fatten them would not answer the charge. Then as to the females, it would, I think, with humble submission, be a loss to the publick, because they soon would become breeders themselves: And besides, it is not improbable that some scrupulous people might be apt to censure such a practice, (although indeed very unjustly) as a little bordering upon cruelty, which, I confess, hath always been with me the strongest objection against any project, how well soever intended.
But in order to justify my friend, he confessed, that this expedient was put into his head by the famous Salmanaazor, a native of the island Formosa, who came from thence to London, above twenty years ago, and in conversation told my friend, that in his country, when any young person happened to be put to death, the executioner sold the carcass to persons of quality, as a prime dainty; and that, in his time, the body of a plump girl of fifteen, who was crucified for an attempt to poison the Emperor, was sold to his imperial majesty's prime minister of state, and other great mandarins of the court in joints from the gibbet, at four hundred crowns. Neither indeed can I deny, that if the same use were made of several plump young girls in this town, who without one single groat to their fortunes, cannot stir abroad without a chair, and appear at a play-house and assemblies in foreign fineries which they never will pay for; the kingdom would not be the worse.
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 incumbrance. But I am not in the least pain upon that matter, because it is very well known, that they are every day dying, and rotting, by cold and famine, and filth, and vermin, as fast as can be reasonably expected. And as to the young labourers, they are now in almost as hopeful a condition. They cannot get work, and consequently pine away from want of nourishment, to a degree, that if at any time they are accidentally hired to common labour, they have not strength to perform it, and thus the country and themselves are happily delivered from the evils to come.
I have too long digressed, and therefore shall return to my subject. I think the advantages by the proposal which I have made are obvious and many, as well as of the highest importance.
For first, as I have already observed, it would greatly lessen the number of Papists, with whom we are yearly over-run, being the principal breeders of the nation, as well as our most dangerous enemies, and who stay at home on purpose with a design to deliver the kingdom to the Pretender, hoping to take their advantage by the absence of so many good Protestants, who have chosen rather to leave their country, than stay at home and pay tithes against their conscience to an episcopal curate.
Secondly, The poorer tenants will have something valuable of their own, which by law may be made liable to a distress, and help to pay their landlord's rent, their corn and cattle being already seized, and money a thing unknown.
Thirdly, Whereas the maintainance of an hundred thousand children, from two years old, and upwards, cannot be computed at less than ten shillings a piece per annum, the nation's stock will be thereby encreased fifty thousand pounds per annum, besides the profit of a new dish, introduced to the tables of all gentlemen of fortune in the kingdom, who have any refinement in taste. And the money will circulate among our selves, the goods being entirely of our own growth and manufacture.
Fourthly, The constant breeders, besides the gain of eight shillings sterling per annum by the sale of their children, will be rid of the charge of maintaining them after the first year.
Fifthly, This food would likewise bring great custom to taverns, where the vintners will certainly be so prudent as to procure the best receipts for dressing it to perfection; and consequently have their houses frequented by all the fine gentlemen, who justly value themselves upon their knowledge in good eating; and a skilful cook, who understands how to oblige his guests, will contrive to make it as expensive as they please.
Sixthly, This would be a great inducement to marriage, which all wise nations have either encouraged by rewards, or enforced by laws and penalties. It would encrease the care and tenderness of mothers towards their children, when they were sure of a settlement for life to the poor babes, provided in some sort by the publick, to their annual profit instead of expence. We should soon see an honest emulation among the married women, which of them could bring the fattest child to the market. Men would become as fond of their wives, during the time of their pregnancy, as they are now of their mares in foal, their cows in calf, or sow when they are ready to farrow; nor offer to beat or kick them (as is too frequent a practice) for fear of a miscarriage.
Many other advantages might be enumerated. For instance, the addition of some thousand carcasses in our exportation of barrel'd beef: the propagation of swine's flesh, and improvement in the art of making good bacon, so much wanted among us by the great destruction of pigs, too frequent at our tables; which are no way comparable in taste or magnificence to a well grown, fat yearly child, which roasted whole will make a considerable figure at a Lord Mayor's feast, or any other publick entertainment. But this, and many others, I omit, being studious of brevity.
Supposing that one thousand families in this city, would be constant customers for infants flesh, besides others who might have it at merry meetings, particularly at weddings and christenings, I compute that Dublin would take off annually about twenty thousand carcasses; and the rest of the kingdom (where probably they will be sold somewhat cheaper) the remaining eighty thousand.
I can think of no one objection, that will possibly be raised against this proposal, unless it should be urged, that the number of people will be thereby much lessened in the kingdom. This I freely own, and 'twas indeed one principal design in offering it to the world. I desire the reader will observe, that I calculate my remedy for this one individual Kingdom of Ireland, and for no other that ever was, is, or, I think, ever can be upon Earth. Therefore let no man talk to me of other expedients: Of taxing our absentees at five shillings a pound: Of using neither cloaths, nor houshold furniture, except what is of our own growth and manufacture: Of utterly rejecting the materials and instruments that promote foreign luxury: Of curing the expensiveness of pride, vanity, idleness, and gaming in our women: Of introducing a vein of parsimony, prudence and temperance: Of learning to love our country, wherein we differ even from Laplanders, and the inhabitants of Topinamboo: Of quitting our animosities and factions, nor acting any longer like the Jews, who were murdering one another at the very moment their city was taken: Of being a little cautious not to sell our country and consciences for nothing: Of teaching landlords to have at least one degree of mercy towards their tenants. Lastly, of putting a spirit of honesty, industry, and skill into our shop-keepers, who, if a resolution could now be taken to buy only our native goods, would immediately unite to cheat and exact upon us in the price, the measure, and the goodness, nor could ever yet be brought to make one fair proposal of just dealing, though often and earnestly invited to it.
Therefore I repeat, let no man talk to me of these and the like expedients, 'till he hath at least some glympse of hope, that there will ever be some hearty and sincere attempt to put them into practice.
But, as to my self, having been wearied out for many years with offering vain, idle, visionary thoughts, and at length utterly despairing of success, I fortunately fell upon this proposal, which, as it is wholly new, so it hath something solid and real, of no expence and little trouble, full in our own power, and whereby we can incur no danger in disobliging England. For this kind of commodity will not bear exportation, and flesh being of too tender a consistence, to admit a long continuance in salt, although perhaps I could name a country, which would be glad to eat up our whole nation without it.
After all, I am not so violently bent upon my own opinion, as to reject any offer, proposed by wise men, which shall be found equally innocent, cheap, easy, and effectual. But before something of that kind shall be advanced in contradiction to my scheme, and offering a better, I desire the author or authors will be pleased maturely to consider two points. First, As things now stand, how they will be able to find food and raiment for a hundred thousand useless mouths and backs. And secondly, There being a round million of creatures in humane figure throughout this kingdom, whose whole subsistence put into a common stock, would leave them in debt two million of pounds sterling, adding those who are beggars by profession, to the bulk of farmers, cottagers and labourers, with their wives and children, who are beggars in effect; I desire those politicians who dislike my overture, and may perhaps be so bold to attempt an answer, that they will first ask the parents of these mortals, whether they would not at this day think it a great happiness to have been sold for food at a year old, in the manner I prescribe, and thereby have avoided such a perpetual scene of misfortunes, as they have since gone through, by the oppression of landlords, the impossibility of paying rent without money or trade, the want of common sustenance, with neither house nor cloaths to cover them from the inclemencies of the weather, and the most inevitable prospect of intailing the like, or greater miseries, upon their breed for ever.
I profess, in the sincerity of my heart, that I have not the least personal interest in endeavouring to promote this necessary work, having no other motive than the publick good of my country, by advancing our trade, providing for infants, relieving the poor, and giving some pleasure to the rich. I have no children, by which I can propose to get a single penny; the youngest being nine years old, and my wife past child-bearing.

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This propasal is absurd if you first read it. Swift makes it so reasonable and so logical by using numbers and statistics. The speaker do so agree and is confident that babies should be the profit builder of Ireland but the writer however thinks otherwise. The proposal was directed to the Anglo-Irish, upper class society, whom at the time were abusing, mistreating, and classifying Irish inhabitants as subhuman. The writer is saying that people might as well eat babies because that is exactly what the english is doing to the Irish, killing them.

| Posted on 2008-11-26 | by a guest

.: :.

Okay, so i dont know what you are all talking about because he definately thinks that babies should be eaten. It is an intelligent plan that will reduce poverty and hunger. It is a brilliant plan and should be inacted today

| Posted on 2008-11-25 | by a guest

.: :.

So it is just one giant metephor for how Dublin is poor? And that some reformers are worthless?? Seems like an extreme way of saying that but I suppose the point was made.

| Posted on 2008-11-06 | by a guest

.: :.

i think i's hilarious how it says not to post anything that DOESN't relate to not summarizing the essay....yet almost every other one doesn'. and calling someone a d-bag is not very nice. jerkface.

| Posted on 2008-10-23 | by a guest

.: :.

Jonathan Swift was an exceptional writer who went against the grain to call attention to the dire situation that Ireland was in. He proposes that in order to stimulate the economy in Ireland the children born to the impoverished, after reaching one year of age, are sold as meat to the wealthy. He also suggests that infant skin could become a very fashionable medium for ladies gloves and gentlemen's boots. Swift was trying to maximize the shock value of cannibalism to point out a very serious matter. That the Irish people were in a horrendous state of being, with poverty, overpopulation, and a corrupt system there was almost no other way of getting out of this whole other than selling the Catholic's surplus infants.
Swift is not seriously suggesting that we should revert to eating infants. He is trying to point out how bad things have become and how desperately there needs to be a solution. It is sarcasm at its best. Saying something completely outlandish and improbable to drive home your point.
In conclusion Swift is awesome and his writing style and message are still relevant today.

| Posted on 2008-09-09 | by a guest

.: :.

Swift goes to great lengths to support his argument, including a list of possible preparation styles for the children, and calculations showing the financial benefits of his suggestion. He uses common methods of argument throughout his essay, such as appealing to the authority of "a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London" and "the famous Psalmanazar, a native of the island Formosa" (who had already confessed to not being from Formosa in 1706). Swift couches his arguments in then-current events, exploiting common prejudice against Papists and pointing out their depredations of England. After enumerating the benefits of his proposal, Swift addresses possible objections including the depopulation of Ireland and a litany of other solutions which he dismisses as impractical.
This essay is widely held to be one of the greatest examples of sustained irony in the history of the English language. Much of its shock value derives from the fact that the first portion of the essay describes the plight of starving beggars in Ireland, so that the reader is unprepared for the surprise of Swift's solution when he states, "A young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee, or a ragout."
Even today, readers unacquainted with its reputation as a satirical work often do not immediately realize that Swift was not seriously proposing cannibalism and infanticide. It is no longer true, as it was in Swift's time, that any educated reader would be familiar with the satires of Horace and Juvenal, and so recognize that Swift's essay follows the rules and structure of Latin satires.
The satirical element of the pamphlet is often only understood after the reader notes the allusions made by Swift to the attitudes of landlords, such as the following: "I grant this food may be somewhat dear, and therefore very proper for Landlords, who as they have already devoured most of the Parents, seem to have the best Title to the Children." Swift extends the metaphor to get in a few jibes at England’s mistreatment of Ireland, noting that "For this kind of commodity will not bear exportation, and flesh being of too tender a consistence, to admit a long continuance in salt, although perhaps I could name a country, which would be glad to eat up our whole nation without it."

| Posted on 2008-05-08 | by a guest

.: I eat babies! :.

ITS SATIRICAL! He honestly doesn't want people to eat the children. If you read closly one can find the covert idea. He had to write this absurd essay because no one was listening to what he had to say about Doublin crashing down into poverty. There are 5 places where Swift shows his true voice, AND I CAN NOT find them. :( ANd that is what my essay is about. So i too need some help.

| Posted on 2008-04-24 | by a guest

.: :.

okayy.
can someone help me out here?
i am very very confused.
i have to write a research paper on why jonathan swift wrote this supid thing & i have no earthly clue.

| Posted on 2008-04-21 | by a guest

.: :.

okayy.
can someone help me out here?
i am very very confused.
i have to write a research paper on why jonathan swift wrote this supid thing & i have no earthly clue.

| Posted on 2008-04-21 | by a guest

.: :.

This is confusing me???
I have no clue what this Modest Proposal is all about. I want to know because I am just a High school kid and I have to write a research paper about this.

| Posted on 2008-04-21 | by a guest

.: comment :.

Well thats how it goes people need to realize when they are being stupid. My man J Swift was just lettin' them know.

| Posted on 2008-04-16 | by a guest

.: Techniques :.

I believe that Swift is trying to evoke melachony by pitying the Irish people. I also think that Swift is using a lot of exxageration to highlight his point, thus emphasise the irony.

| Posted on 2008-04-05 | by a guest

.: :.

I have interpreted that Swift's "A Modest Proposal" is precisely what the name deems it. His intentions are not truly to have the Irish eat their children, rather he is examining the possible outcomes of the Irish stances and ideals toward their country. His point is eaily seen in my opinion; if the Irish do not defend their beliefs and stand up for their own individual beliefs and identities, then their economy and society will continue to suffer.

| Posted on 2008-02-18 | by a guest

.: jonathons swift :.

A Modest Proposal Analysis Jonathan Swift critical analysis of poem, review school overview. Analysis of the poem. literary terms. Definition terms. Why did he use? short summary describing. A Modest Proposal Analysis Jonathan Swift Characters archetypes. Sparknotes bookrags the meaning summary overview critique of explanation pinkmonkey. Quick fast explanatory summary. pinkmonkey free cliffnotes cliffnotes ebook pdf doc file essay summary literary terms analysis professional definition summary synopsis sinopsis interpretation critique A Modest Proposal Analysis Jonathan. you guys r losers if u rread this nerds get over the propsal its rubbish

| Posted on 2008-02-03 | by a guest

.: :.

It is of executive importance that - as the reader - one understands his subhuman view of poor Catholic beggars. Swift, as the narrator portrays himself as a wealthy protestant from the 1700s Ireland; and still refers to the wealthy as greedy and self indulgent. He does not mean people to literally eat one year olds but rather see that if they don't stand up and fix their problems themselves, they will be pushed into extreme solutions like this one (not necessarily this on in particular).

| Posted on 2007-09-16 | by a guest

.: :.

ok, i dont think he means to literally eat kids...O_O i think he is saying that because of the poverty in that area due to higher levels of the magistrate eating" out the parents, the parents can only feed those people their children-the only thing they have! Its a bit harsh on how the government did treat people at that time, and it is very underatandable the swift wrote such a ...modest proposal

| Posted on 2007-05-17 | by a guest

.: i agree with analisys and :.

baphlemia and the person that said this "m talkin' to the guy who wrote analysis! atrocities??? u hav some serious brain problemos, the worlds' biggest atrocity." ha ve no sense humor and is closed mind if doesn't understeand the point of the modest proposal i can tell she is an ignorant

| Posted on 2007-04-30 | by a guest

.: i agree with analisys and :.

baphlemia and the person that said this "m talkin' to the guy who wrote analysis! atrocities??? u hav some serious brain problemos, the worlds' biggest atrocity." ha ve no sense humor and is closed mind if doesn't understeand the point of the modest proposal i can tell she is an ignorant

| Posted on 2007-04-30 | by a guest

.: FREE ESSAY. :.

I found it hard to write a three page essay on swift. so here it is for whoever needs assistance.


In the words of John F. Kennedy “A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on.” Expresses an idea that captivates the hearts of people and changes the way they perceive their everyday lives to be for the better. He was a dissenting voice for his time and country that he was passionate about, but that was in the 1970’s. Rewinding back to approximately 241 years previous to JFK, Jonathan Swift was the dissenting voice of Ireland; he was also passionate about his country and time, to make things right in society not necessarily through politics, but through literature. His proposal, “A Modest Proposal” is a strong example of why Jonathan Swift became a dissenting voice in the world. Jonathon Swift had understood the corruptions that he saw in the country of Ireland and by using satire and imagery throughout his proposal he grasps the minds of people and voices his opinion about what he views as morally correct speaking against the literal ugliness that he could see throughout the country of Ireland.

The country of Ireland in the era of approximately 1710 – 1745 was one in which Catholics made up 70% of the population of which was around 2 million but only had control over 5% of the land. As English protestant was the over dominant religion over the Irish Catholic due to the death of King William III, there were a lot of changes made in Ireland shortly after when Catholic King James II came into power. This new power over the country evoked many corruptions in society and caused religious based discrimination such as, Catholics not being to bare arms, even for the protection. They were not allowed to vote, marry a protestant or educate their children under Protestant curriculums. Farming was to be taken responsibility of by the greatly disadvantaged Irish Catholics although the land and the decision making was entirely owned by the Advantaged English Protestant Landlords. The number of beggars in particular the female sex, that would be seen on the streets had grown to extreme numbers with people dressed in rags and living in poverty being nothing out of the ordinary. Although this was a issue which people had no control over, it was in 1729 that this issue had been raised and publicly announced by a man named Jonathan Swift, who was a dissenting voice for his time, he stood up for what he believed in and voiced his opinion how he thought he could best express it. He wrote and published “A Modest Proposal” – a sharp satire of the Irish predicament, suggesting the rich should eat the children of the poor, to the benefit of both parties. The work had led to great economic and public criticism from 1713 – 1745.

“A Modest Proposal: For Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland from Being a Burden to Their Parents or Country, and for Making Them Beneficial to the Publick” – Jonothan Swift.

A dissenting voice, according to “www.dictionary.com” is, “disagreeing, especially with a majority “. Through reading the writings of Jonothan Swift it is obvious that he was a man who had unique and logical ideas and the ability to express them in the most distinct way possible that would capture the thoughts of the public at the time, this is why he was known as a dissenting voice. His opinion spoke out against the daily life and society of people and it’s government esspecially in his satire “A Modest Proposal” which was the pamphlet that he had written at the time of 1729. Through his words he clearly illustrates his dislike for organised religions, rich, greedy landlords and people of power, but most importantly, his dislike not only for the Irish, but for the English also. Swift was said to “declare at one stage in his life: ‘I am not of this vile country (Ireland), I am an Englishman’”(Hertford website). Ironically, he was an Irish man himself, a cleric who also wrote, essays, poems, and various other famous works such as Gullivers Travels and a Journal to Stella.

Satire, according to “www.dictionary.com” is “A literary work in which human vice or folly is attacked through irony, derision, or wit.” That is exactly what Jonathan Swift uses to attack the obvious indifference of the landlords and how they treat their tenants unjustly through raising their taxes unfairly and leaving them stricken with famine and poverty while the landlords continue to get more income for their own greed.

The approach Jonothan Swift takes to outline the corruptions Ireland faces is very cleverly thought through, by proposing ideas that Irish families sell their children to be eaten as a suitable meal for English landlords in order to earn income for the family. He believes that the reality he is seeing from the situation is that instead of putting money towards adjusting the problem of the country, one can benefit by making money from the problem. However as much as the concept of his proposal is seen as politically correct, it’s ironic that he uses inhumane ideas that are incorrect, for example, he compares the worth of a child to the amount of income it will produce and the number of people that can benefit their stomachs if the child be sold depending on the profit the child’s weight and age brings. Children were completely disregarded, and were seen as being a burden within the Irish society.

Jonathan Swift expresses through his words exactly how he feels and sees the landlords and system of government at the time. He emphasises his opinion on them by suggesting harsh ideas of their way of life that would have caused controversy for it’s time in Ireland. Swift uses bestial imagery through his satire, illustrating the situation that the then contrasts value of the infants meat as “proper for landlords” as they have already “devoured most of the parents” that are in continuous debt to the landlords. Due to the devastating poverty of the public at the time, having values of marriage and joys of raising a family didn’t interest them, instead they were only interested in intercourse and therefore the females fell impregnated easily due to the lack of contraception. The tenants of the female-sex when impregnated would force themselves to have abortions or to miscarry their child, which is considered as a murder. As J.Swift sympathises for the lives of the aborted children he suggests, using satire, that instead of aborting the infant children they should physically eat them instead, at least that way they can cater for their stomachs and “contribute to the Feeding, and partly to the Cloathing, of many Thousands.” This is highly satirical and was seen as a grotesque and inhumane idea, J.Swift did not literally mean to eat ones infant, but his meaning of this idea was to make point of the society with extremely obscene and exaggerated points of view that would capture the mind of society and break free from the landlords psychological pressure that was enforced on the minds of people of Ireland.

Swift cleverly expresses himself through various techniques in his writing, authorial intrusion is one in particular where Swift highlights his point on the reality of the situation, he also uses satire and at times, clever use of irony.
He clearly believes in the idea that “teaching landlords to have, at least one degree of mercy towards their tenants” would benefit the public. This is seen through his use of authorial intrusion where he is implying that it is a possible solution for Ireland and its people. He believed that this could be a solution by emphasising the idea that the landlords could give the people of Ireland more freedom to live and enjoy living without having to “sell their children” through his “Proposal”. This would decrease the debt that a large number of the population owe to a landlord. Swift ironically also disagrees that anyone could possibly object to his proposal. He depicts his proposal as an entirely suitable suggestion to help the people of Ireland overcome their struggles.

J. Swift supports his modest proposal by a series of key points that he outlines throughout the text; One, the reduction of the “papists” living in Ireland whom he believes form the majority of the poor population that tend to have larger families. Swift identifies the Catholics as enemies of the nation and he contrasts them with the opposing Protestants who have left the country rather than be forced to "pay Tithes against their Conscience."
Secondly he outlines that the valuable assets the beggars have will help them with their economic needs by then emphasising in the third point that he believes it will save the economy. Fourthly, parents of children won’t have to support their children for extended years considering they gain profit to live their daily lives as they wish to do so. His fifth point then outlines that it "would bring great custom to taverns”. Swifts last point states that he believes there would be greater encouragement for people to get married and cater for their children in a much more responsible manner and they can practice nurturing them.

Aside from the controversy that took place due to the proposal in the 1700’s, it is obvious that the purpose of “A Modest Proposal” was to entertain the upper-class through the use of clever language techniques used such as satire and irony. The irony of the story is clearly outlined at the end of the proposal where Swift uses the opportunity of his conclusion to establish clearly that the proposal would not affect him at all and it’s most certainly for the “benefit of the publick” due to the fact that his children were grown and his wife “past child bearing”.The concept of the proposal was to grasp the moral beauty in literal ugliness using satire and language techniques such as bestial imagery that will capture the attention of the reader so that they would realise what was literally happening in Ireland, religiously and morally. He pointed out the corruptions and faults in the country that he felt weren’t being addressed, he was a dissenting voice because he spoke out when he felt passionately sympathetic towards the public of Ireland. “I profess, in the sincerity of my heart, that I have not the least personal interest in endeavoring to promote this necessary work, having no other motive than the public good of my country…” Much like circa 241 years later, the dissenting voice that spoke out much like Jonathan Swift was John F. Kennedy, “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Kennedy was a controversial man who dared to take risks to benefit his country, much like Swift. The only difference Swift and Kennedy being that Kennedy’s dissenting voice speaks out through politics while Jonathan Swift speaking from literature that captivates the hearts and minds of people.


| Posted on 2007-03-16 | by a guest

.: :.

From a student who is about to pass an exam on irony and Swift.

Swift's writing is a prime example of ironical discourse, whatever the political implications of the time, the story is relevant even today.
The irony employed should not be identified with the author. Irony by definition requires abstraction and critical thinking.
Good luck to all in grasping the moral beauty in literal ugliness. It has been constructed for you to appreciate and yeald a moral judgement of your own.


| Posted on 2007-02-08 | by a guest

.: :.

The full title of Swift's pamphlet is "A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People from Being a Burthen to their Parents, or the Country, and for Making them Beneficial to the Publick." The tract is an ironically conceived attempt to "find out a fair, cheap, and easy Method" for converting the starving children of Ireland into "sound and useful members of the Commonwealth." Across the country poor children, predominantly Catholics, are living in squalor because their families are too poor to keep them fed and clothed.
The author argues, by hard-edged economic reasoning as well as from a self-righteous moral stance, for a way to turn this problem into its own solution. His proposal, in effect, is to fatten up these undernourished children and feed them to Ireland's rich land-owners. Children of the poor could be sold into a meat market at the age of one, he argues, thus combating overpopulation and unemployment, sparing families the expense of child-bearing while providing them with a little extra income, improving the culinary experience of the wealthy, and contributing to the overall economic well-being of the nation.
The author offers statistical support for his assertions and gives specific data about the number of children to be sold, their weight and price, and the projected consumption patterns. He suggests some recipes for preparing this delicious new meat, and he feels sure that innovative cooks will be quick to generate more. He also anticipates that the practice of selling and eating children will have positive effects on family morality: husbands will treat their wives with more respect, and parents will value their children in ways hitherto unknown. His conclusion is that the implementation of this project will do more to solve Ireland's complex social, political, and economic problems than any other measure that has been proposed.

| Posted on 2006-03-01 | by Approved Guest

.: :.

The full title of Swift's pamphlet is "A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People from Being a Burthen to their Parents, or the Country, and for Making them Beneficial to the Publick." The tract is an ironically conceived attempt to "find out a fair, cheap, and easy Method" for converting the starving children of Ireland into "sound and useful members of the Commonwealth." Across the country poor children, predominantly Catholics, are living in squalor because their families are too poor to keep them fed and clothed.
The author argues, by hard-edged economic reasoning as well as from a self-righteous moral stance, for a way to turn this problem into its own solution. His proposal, in effect, is to fatten up these undernourished children and feed them to Ireland's rich land-owners. Children of the poor could be sold into a meat market at the age of one, he argues, thus combating overpopulation and unemployment, sparing families the expense of child-bearing while providing them with a little extra income, improving the culinary experience of the wealthy, and contributing to the overall economic well-being of the nation.
The author offers statistical support for his assertions and gives specific data about the number of children to be sold, their weight and price, and the projected consumption patterns. He suggests some recipes for preparing this delicious new meat, and he feels sure that innovative cooks will be quick to generate more. He also anticipates that the practice of selling and eating children will have positive effects on family morality: husbands will treat their wives with more respect, and parents will value their children in ways hitherto unknown. His conclusion is that the implementation of this project will do more to solve Ireland's complex social, political, and economic problems than any other measure that has been proposed.

| Posted on 2006-03-01 | by Approved Guest

.: :.

I'm talkin' to the guy who wrote analysis! atrocities??? u hav some serious brain problemos, the worlds' biggest atrocity. So eating people? Nasty! Johnathon Swift has a nasty mind. Did you know he supports pornography? Seriously, what did you expect. He was a child of a prostitute. And he is a preppy nerd with some attitude. But who gives a care? Why is he so important? I AM THE BEST! don't deny it, cuz if i had more space to write i'd spit in your face if ya did deny it.

| Posted on 2006-02-03 | by Approved Guest

.: Blaphemy! :.

You d-bags are all incorrect! Jonathan Swift was clearly conspiring with the very same government that the essay is protesting against. Everyone knows that Mr. Swift was an Irish ambassador to England, and he had a lot to gain by writing the essay. The English reveled in their 0wnage of the Irish, and they paid Swift handsomely for writing an essay showcasing their utter brutality. Let that be a lesson to you all. Hmmph!


| Posted on 2006-01-05 | by Approved Guest

.: analysis :.

swift uses sarcasm, irony, and understatement to make fun of the English and the indifference and neglect toward the irish poor.The whole pamphlet, indeed, in its entirety, is one giant, metaphorical irony. The horror of the narrator’s irony serves as a constant metaphor for the horror being experienced by the people of Ireland. His awful proposal is a result, an echo of sorts, of the terrible suffering of the speaker’s own fellow citizens. Thus, Swift carefully uses his entire satire as a symbol for the atrocities already known in his country.

| Posted on 2005-11-20 | by Approved Guest