Review of Modest Proposal Essay Example

is particularly powerful in highlighting this point. Swift adopts a persona that introduces a proposal to solve Ireland’s complex social ills: “I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London; that a healthy child, well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious, nourishing and wholesome food” (219). However, the nature of the proposal is disturbing as it involves cannibalism. The Proposer, who is heavily ironic in his “modest” title, believes that cannibalism is the way forward to tackle Ireland’s starvation crisis.

In a disturbingly comical and grotesque manner, the discussion of consuming babies is further explored by the Proposer as he details the various ways in which their flesh can be prepared, including being "stewed, roasted, baked, boiled" (219) or even fashioned into gloves for ladies (220). This disturbing proposal illustrates the Proposer's cold and amoral disposition regarding Ireland's social issues, highlighting the reprehensible actions of the absentee landlords.

In this satirical piece, Swift aims to demonstrate the indifference of wealthy landowners and politicians towards the Irish. The metaphor of rich people cannibalizing the poor Irish is a powerful tool that emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and shocks the reader. The Proposer, who represents all landowners and politicians, presents his proposal for public consideration, not only owning the land but also the people themselves.

The landowners do not consider consulting those who are affected by their decisions. The Proposer labels his method as "cheap and easy" (218), highlighting the selfishness of the landowners who only seek solutions that are affordable and require minimal effort.

In the essay, The Proposer demonstrates a significant amount of disdain towards

individuals living in poverty, as evidenced by the language used to describe them. The Proposer's depiction of infants as being dropped "from its dam" (218) highlights this perspective, portraying them as mere commodities to be exploited. The extended metaphor of referring to the impoverished Irish as "breeders" (221) further dehumanizes them. This mistreatment is not limited to the era in which "A Modest Proposal" was written.

The concept of the wealthy exploiting the impoverished is still present in modern society. Coffee farmers in Third World countries, for instance, are treated badly and underpaid by rich landowners. This example highlights the proposal's efficacy, despite being written nearly 300 years ago. Swift's true nature of being the opposite of an Anglo-Irish landowner is exposed when the Proposer's facade falls away.

Swift presents actual solutions for combating poverty in Ireland, which include imposing a tax of five shillings per pound on absentees, using only domestically-produced goods, refusing materials and instruments that promote foreign luxury, and promoting love for the country (223). He proposes a radical tax reform that involves increasing the taxes on absentee landlords to neutralize their economic drain, importing only necessities, and exclusively purchasing goods made in Ireland to rejuvenate the deteriorating economy. Swift stresses the importance of fostering patriotism and unity among the Irish population. He achieves this by creating the Proposer, a cruel and merciless landowner who exploits the impoverished Irish people for his gain, thereby effectively exposing the serious social problems affecting the Irish community.

By creating the satirical masterpiece "A Modest Proposal," he effectively emphasizes the actions required to aid his country in recovering from the severe neglect by absentee landlords. What sets this essay

apart is its exploration of a universal theme that still exists today - the disgraceful exploitation of the impoverished by those in positions of power.