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Swift's A Modest Proposal - Papers Online

Swift's A Modest Proposal

Cannibalism: The act of consuming the flesh of babies; exactly what is recommended as a delicacy to the upper class in the satirical essay, "A Modest Proposal." Jonathon Swift, the author of "A Modest Proposal," clearly suggests cannibalism, what first seems to be an unrealistic way to fight poverty. In his essay, Swift proposes for his homeland, Ireland, to become economically independent ultimately resolved by marketing infants who come from poverty-stricken families. With the intent to ridicule Ireland's politicians while also attempting to promote the countries' development, Swift presents to his audience his frustration by shocking them with his heartless text. To better his argument, ...

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in the 1700s. The sorrowful, yet sarcastic introduction of Swift's essay, plus his constant use of descriptive text makes his "modest proposal" atmosphere to be coldhearted and gloomy. The fact that the British had authority over the Irish gave a controlling atmosphere, and even more when he used descriptions of the landlords "devouring" the Irish, such as when he stated: "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" (Swift 1027). By this statement, Swift is basically insinuating that the poverty-stricken families of Ireland are slaves to their landlords. Swift speaks about the harsh circumstances that the Irish are forced to live through, and for that reason the atmosphere of his essay becomes vice. The customs and moral values of Ireland and England that Swift speaks about relate to their social environment which characterizes the setting.
In ...

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Swift's A Modest Proposal. (2012, February 19). Retrieved January 6, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Swifts-A-Modest-Proposal/100325

"Swift's A Modest Proposal." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 19 Feb. 2012. Web. 6 Jan. 2026. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Swifts-A-Modest-Proposal/100325>

"Swift's A Modest Proposal." Essayworld.com. February 19, 2012. Accessed January 6, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Swifts-A-Modest-Proposal/100325.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 2/19/2012 12:19:25 PM
Submitted By: candacenbo
Category: English
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 1160
Pages: 5

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