A Modest Proposal

"A Modest Proposal" is a satirical essay by Jonathan Swift, published in 1729. In the essay, Swift suggests that impoverished Irish families should sell their children as food to wealthy individuals as a way to alleviate poverty. The proposal is an ironic commentary on the socio-economic conditions in Ireland during that time.

In "A Modest Proposal," Jonathan Swift establishes credibility through his use of irony and satirical tone, presenting his ideas with a serious facade. By referencing his own credentials as a respected clergyman and writer, Swift enhances his ethos and persuades readers to consider the validity of his proposal despite its outrageous nature. This appeal to ethos helps Swift engage his audience and provoke critical thinking about the issues he addresses.

One example of ethical appeal in "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift is when the narrator argues that his proposal will reduce the number of poor children in Ireland and benefit the economy. He plays on the reader's sense of morality and compassion by presenting his solution as a way to solve the problem of poverty.

A call for proposal is a formal request inviting individuals or organizations to submit ideas, projects, or solutions for consideration. It usually outlines the specific requirements, objectives, and criteria that must be met for the proposal to be accepted and funded.

Some advantages of the plan in "A Modest Proposal" include addressing poverty by turning children into a financial asset, reducing the population burden on families, providing economic benefits through the sale of children, alleviating hunger by enhancing the food supply, offering a practical solution to overpopulation, and potentially benefiting the Irish economy through the sale of goods produced from children.

The significance was that it was NOT a very modest proposal. Ireland was experiencing a horrible famine, and people were starving. The writer proposed an exaggerated solution to the problem- that the Irish should become cannibals, and eat their babies.

Jonathan Swift proposes that the impoverished Irish should sell their babies as a source of food to alleviate their economic struggles. He satirically suggests that this extreme measure would not only solve the problem of poverty but also provide a source of income for the struggling families.

Swift gradually reveals the true nature of the proposal in order to build suspense and shock the reader with the shocking and twisted content of the proposal. This gradual revelation also allows Swift to draw the reader in and engage them in a deeper exploration of the underlying themes and criticisms he is making about society.

Pros of using satire in Swift's "A Modest Proposal" include the ability to criticize societal issues in a humorous and engaging way, allowing readers to reflect on the topic in a more approachable manner. However, a con is that the use of satire can sometimes be misinterpreted or offend readers who may not fully grasp the intended message, leading to controversy or backlash.

The objection the speaker anticipates readers raising is the morality of the proposal to consume infants as a solution to poverty. He answers this objection by presenting the idea in a satirical and exaggerated manner, highlighting the absurdity of the situation and challenging readers to reflect on the root causes of poverty and societal complacency.

In "A Modest Proposal," the speaker puts forth the advantages of reducing the burdens on poor families by selling their children as a source of income, improving relations between landlords and tenants by creating economic benefits for both parties, and addressing overpopulation and poverty in Ireland through a practical solution.

Swift proposes in "A Modest Proposal" that poor Irish families should sell their infant children to be eaten by the wealthy. This proposal is meant to highlight the extreme poverty and desperation facing the Irish people at the time, as well as to criticize the British government's oppressive policies towards Ireland. Swift uses irony and satire to shock readers into recognizing the cruelty and absurdity of the situation.

The board convened to review the proposal.

The obvious thesis of "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift, is that 18th century Ireland will be much better off if the poor parents sell their year old child to rich Englishmen for money. However, if the reader takes into account the satirical element of Swift's writing as evident by his other works and ironic writing style, the reader can see that there are multiple theses that tie together. They are; England is oppressive to the Irish -to the point that they would consider selling and eating their own children for money, that there is significant religious disdain and prejudice of the English Protestants to the Irish Catholics, and that the Irish are inactive in making their own lives better.

In the first paragraph of "A Modest Proposal," the narrator calls attention to the problem of overpopulation and poverty in Ireland, particularly among the lower class. He mentions the large number of children born to poor families and the burden they place on society.

"Whoever could find out a fair, cheap, and easy method of making these children sound, useful members of the commonwealth would deserve so well of the public as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation." This statement is an example of sarcasm as it suggests a horrific solution—using children for food—while pretending to praise those who could come up with a more humane alternative.

proposal form is a standard mass-prepared documents by insures to the insured for the purpose of disclosing the needed material fact can be a form of questions that aims the insured to provide the answer.

by mathiusxvi

The main idea of "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift is satirical social criticism of the British upper class and their treatment of the Irish poor. Swift suggests that the poor Irish should sell their infants as food to the wealthy in order to alleviate poverty and overpopulation. By proposing this extreme solution, Swift aims to expose the heartless attitudes of the ruling class towards the less fortunate.

A Modest Proposal criticizes British economic exploitation of Ireland by satirically suggesting that the Irish should sell their children as food to the wealthy. The essay also critiques the dehumanizing effects of poverty and the lack of empathy shown by the English toward the Irish.

One objection the speaker addresses in "A Modest Proposal" is the concern that the proposal suggests treating people as commodities or livestock. The speaker counters this by arguing that the proposal is a legitimate solution to poverty and overpopulation without resorting to inhumane practices.

Swift builds up to his proposition gradually to gain the reader's trust and set the stage for a shocking reveal. This delayed presentation helps to establish irony and satire in the text, as the proposal is so outrageous that it would not be as impactful if it were introduced right away.

A good proposal is clear, succinct, and tailored to the specific needs and interests of the recipient. It should clearly outline the problem you are addressing, your proposed solution, and why you are the best person or organization to deliver that solution. Make sure to include a detailed budget and timeline to demonstrate feasibility.

Eat children to decrease population. However, he is not serious when he says this. He is only trying to point out how ridiculous some proposals are and to get the attention of those to realize all taking place in Ireland.

1. Suggesting that eating babies is a reasonable solution to poverty is an extreme overstatement.
2. Claiming that selling children as food would solve all economic problems is an exaggerated and shocking suggestion.
3. Proposing that a certain group of people should be bred and sold for consumption is a wildly unrealistic and unethical statement.

Rhetoric is the art of persuasion. It helps a speaker/writer sway an audience in his/her favour. Jonathan Swift uses satire and irony in this work, yes, but the very heart of these two terms are founded on the original (Greek) areas of persuasion. There are three main rhetorical devices used in literature, and these are employed (masterfully) by Swift in his "A Modest Proposal."

Logos -- Does an argument or statement appeal to the audience's capacity for reason, logic, or sensibility? Can you trust the speaker's use of logic?

I.e: Will cannibalism actually benefit the masses or the economy?

Ethos -- Is an argument ethical? Does it adhere to the socially accepted norms or propriety, or decency? Can you trust a speaker's motives?

I.e: Is it better for children to starve to death, or for them to be slaughtered in early life? Which is more acceptable?

Pathos -- Does an argument appeal to you, the speaker? Does it strike a chord with you, does it evoke any emotional response, and how so?

I.e: Can we sleep at night if this "modest" proposal becomes a norm?

As mentioned above, these three devices are always at play with satire and irony; they are the "backbone" of both these terms.

Remember: Irony: when the intended meaning of a statement is OPPOSITE of the words used. This also can be called sarcasm. I.e: "I REALLY like that shirt (not). Or, England is sucking us dry, we might as well beat them at their own game, (Which is the satirical message of "A Modest Proposal." Swift was not literally suggesting cannibalism, but he was using this narrative to illustrate just how England was figuratively consuming all the assets in Ireland).