A Modest Proposal Rhetorical Analysis

A Great Nation in Great Trouble

I consider myself to be an educated, prosperous, and political gentleman. I think it not wrong to say that we are in the Golden Age of Satire, which is a fortunate time for me because I am an active reader and delighted and amused by these works. As a proud Irishman with a natural bias, I find my fellow Irishman Jonathan Swift and his satiric pieces to be quite clever and provoking. There is certainly rage and resentment running through the streets of Dublin over his latest work, “A Modest Proposal”. I like to call myself a warrior for social justice and fairness, so this piece has truly spoken to me. This country’s issues of poverty and the growing social gap have been ignored for far too long, and Swift has

put his foot down in the strongest of manners.
I should begin by saying that I found “A Modest Proposal” to be the most dark, provoking, and shrewd work that I have read in my numerous years.

It is a mastery of social commentary, political criticism, and satire. To ignore this would be to ignore the entire message that Swift is trying to outline. The title of the essay itself is deep-seeded in parody and farce and it also outlines the sarcastic and facetious tone that Swift displays. The “proposal” that Irish babes born into poverty should be served for food is no way “modest” or even human. It is a savage plan that cleverly attacks our current political officials and their systems. Swift’s keen and unique sense of humor is extended throughout the entire work. Not only does he present an absurd plan, but he also presents a number of benefits that is a comical attempt to establish logic and

validity.
Through my observations of the outrage in the streets, I have come to the conclusion that Swift’s approach has been lost on many, which is a great tragedy in my mind. His proposal is so inhumane and arbitrary that it sheds a light on the problem and makes the reader think of actual, plausible solutions. In the process, Swift also denounces the actions or lack thereof of Ireland’s officials. It is compelling and captivating and an important discussion that we have seemingly been afraid to face. Swift’s purpose is true and Ireland’s problem is urgent. There are too many small children and orphans in this country who go without food, shelter, and security. This has led to more crime, murder, abortions, abandonment, starvation, and poverty. Our grand, green country has become a land of gloom, despair, and sorrow. It is bad enough that we are already treated like animals by our neighbors, and now we are treating our only people like animals, a misfortune that Swift purposely highlights in the satire.
I have also found Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” to be one of the clearest social critiques I have ever read.

Although his message and criticism is not direct or even apparent to the common man, there is no ambiguity of Swift’s true feelings and his purpose is clear. Although I do not know him personally, I know Swift is a good man who wants the best for our country. He cares for all beings, rich or poor, and wants no harm to come to any of our children, as he satirically suggests in his essay. His approach is unorthodox, but it is a powerful tool that Swift is familiar and comfortable with. He is not afraid to write and say what needs to be said, no matter how difficult that might

be.
I have invited Swift to tea in my loft next week and being the good man that he is, he most certainly obliged. We are to discuss his satire and the nation’s current state of affairs. I look forward to meeting with him, but a greater picture is at hand. We can no longer ignore our problems as we have in the past. We can no longer mistreat the poor and needy that are born into a vicious cycle of poverty and misfortune. We can no longer allow our neighbors to rule over us in the demeaning manner that they do, disobeying and disrespecting our rules, persons, laws, cultures, and traditions. We can be a great nation because we are a nation of great people.