In a Modest Proposal, by Jonathan Swift, the main objective was to draw

In a Modest Proposal, by Jonathan Swift, the main objective was to draw

attention to the plight of the Irish people and motiva

In a Modest Proposal, by Jonathan Swift, the main objective was to

draw attention to the downfall of the Irish people and motivate

readers to find a workable solution. Unlike most essays, this is

written for the reader to see through what the narrator is expressing.

Swift shows the readers his proposal mainly through irony. Irony can

be defined as expressing the opposite of what is meant. This is a

great technique of the sense of humor and sarcasm used in the proposal

and in Swift.

One of the voices that are present throughout the story is that of

irony. The story itself is ironic since no one can take Swift’s

proposal seriously. This irony is clearly demonstrated at the end of

the story; Swift makes it clear that this proposal would not affect

him since his children were grown and his wife unable to have any more

children. It is a great contradiction and absurdity that a husband

and father propose the idea of cannibalism. 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.

Although something seems one way to the narrator, Jonathan Swift wants

the reader to see it in an opposite light. Swift's opposition is

indirectly presented. The author uses satire to accomplish his

objective not only because he is able to conceal his true identity but

also because it is the most effective way to awake the people of

Ireland into seeing their own deprivation.

Firstly, the narrative voice begins the essay by describing the

horrible 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 proposal 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". To a

poverty stricken person this would take a huge load off of their

shoulders by not having to raise a child, while at the same time

making money off of them to better support themselves and lifestyle.

“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 kitchen” is a quote that shows a