Modest Proposal

Assignment 1: A Modest Proposal

May 3, 2013

The surprise ending of “A Modest Proposal” is the realization that Swift did not actually believe in the proposal he had set forth. The writer speaks, almost the entire article, of the deplorable state of affairs in Ireland and his disgust with the situation. The article speaks with great disdain regarding the number of poor, and the rates at which they are dying due to weather, starvation, filth and vermin, and about the wealthy that do not care.

The author clearly convinces the reader of his intentions and the fact that he is serious about the proposal. The solution proposed would provide a means of income for the poor and the wealthy would eat a fine and delicate meal. Feeding on Irish babies would be a treat and the English would be honored to feast on the babies. Swift based his proposal on facts and figures of many years of analyzing the situation; consider the amount of hours applied to the calculations proposing the benefits. He does seem well studied and education on his proposal, noting several benefits and advantages. Convincing as well is the emotional appeal of each and every line.

Not as much time is spent convincing the reader that Swift is not truly proposing this barbaric solution to Ireland’s poverty. The moment this reader realizes the change in plot is when the speaker states “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 public good of my country, by advancing our trade, providing for infants, relieving the poor, and giving some pleasure to the rich.” At this point, the speaker further validates his personal disinterest by speaking of his own grown children and his wife who cannot bear any more.

“A Modest Proposal” begins by surprising, if not appalling the reader. From the vivid descriptions of the deplorable living conditions...