A Modest Proposal Rhetorical Analysis

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In “A Modest Proposal,” the speaker uses provocative diction, logos, and an ironic tone to convey his message of social critique and the injustices faced by the impoverished Irish under British colonial rule; the speaker has a shocking proposal for consuming Irish babies. The speaker’s choice of provocative diction plays a crucial role in conveying his message effectively. For example, Swift describes children as “the most delicious, nourishing and wholesome food” (Swift 4), evoking a feeling of disgust. He uses provocative language to shock and create a reaction from the audience. He employs vivid and descriptive language to describe the conditions faced by the impoverished Irish. The speaker’s careful selection of words, such as “delicious” …show more content…

Through the use of provocative diction, the audience can understand the grim reality of injustice while also being repulsed by the proposed solution. As readers interpret the provocative diction, they dive deeper into the logical outline presented to justify his outrageous proposal. The speaker uses logos to show a logical argument that highlights the absurdity of the situation. One example of this is when the speaker uses evidence to support his proposal, stating, “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 couples whose wives are breeders; from which number I subtract thirty thousand couples, who are able to maintain their own children” (Swift 3). This shows the speaker’s logical approach, as he uses calculations to justify his proposal and persuade the audience of the necessity for change. Using logical reasoning appeals to the audience’s sense of reason and makes them consider the proposal seriously. While the proposal may appear rational at first glance, the proposed solution to consuming Irish babies for economic relief is

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