As a writer, Jonathan Swift often utilized irony and satire to point out various socioeconomic problems within eighteenth-century England and Ireland. The text “A Modest Proposal” is a prime example of Swift’s masterful use of satire. In the essay, Swift highlights the issue of the alarming number of Irish beggars that can be found throughout the country and proceeds to offer a satirical solution to the problem. The use of satire in this piece emphasizes Swift’s message and allows the reader to think deeply about the subject. Jonathan Swift uses satire and irony throughout “A Modest Proposal” to voice his discontent concerning the current state of Ireland.  

After reading the first several paragraphs of “A Modest Proposal,” one would be inclined to believe that Swift is offering a legitimate solution to the problem of Irish beggars. Swift describes mothers unable to provide for their many children and these children growing up to be burdens on their country. Swift then states that after many years devoted to this issue, he has found a solution. At this point, Swift has grabbed the reader’s attention and made him eager to know what the solution might be.  Swift then states that his plan will make the children of beggars useful by having them “contribute to the feeding, and clothing of many thousands” (515).  Swift then continues by detailing a plan in which the young children of beggars will be sold as food to the rest of society. Swift even details different ways of preparing the children for consumption. This idea shocks and maybe even offends the reader because of how ridiculous and inhumane that it sounds. This proposal is of course not meant to be interpreted literally. The reader must now determine Swift’s metaphoric message that is conveyed through the satirical piece.

Throughout the essay, Swift often uses words like “breeders,” “stock” and “commodity” in reference to the Irish poor and their children. These words make the reader feel as if Swift is talking about animals whose existence revolves around benefitting their owner. Swift’s proposed idea also has the goal to make life better for the upper and middle class of Ireland through the consumption of the poor.  These words and ideas are meant to make the reader realize that the Irish society of Swift’s day was built off of the exploitation of the Irish peasants by the upper class. The idea that the rest of Ireland would eat the poor mirrors the reality in which the ruling class of Ireland oppresses the peasants and takes advantage of them for their labor. Swift conveys the idea that the Irish peasants are not literally, but metaphorically being eaten by the upper class. Swift even uses this metaphor in his essay saying “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.” This language makes the reader contemplate their personal opinions regarding this exploitation and may change their opinions on how they view other people.

Swift also addresses the issue of the majority of Irish people’s indifference to the wellbeing of its poor population. Swift does this by listing many solutions to the rampant poverty that plagues Ireland and declaring these solutions no longer necessary because of his proposed plan. Some of these solutions include using only what your own household produces, buying less foreign luxuries, reducing the amount of pride in the culture, learning to love Irish culture and stopping murder amongst the Irish. Swift’s plan is of course not a serious one so he is implying that these solutions should in fact be implemented. As the list of solutions continues, it becomes more specific and takes aim at the landlords and upper class. Swift clearly conveys his feelings that the upper class Irish are largely responsible for the current conditions of Ireland. Swift ends his list by saying “let no man talk to me of these expedients, ‘till he hath at least some glimpse of hope that there will ever be some hearty and sincere attempt to put them into practice.” This quote reveals that Swift believes that there is no chance that these seemingly practical solutions will be implemented because of the greed that dominates the ruling class of Ireland.  Swift suggests that that the elite class of Ireland easily could help the peasants, but choose not to because it would take away from their fortune and provide an inconvenience to them.

Swift’s explanation of his plan is very thorough, including exact numbers and calculations. Along with these calculations Swift gives six specific benefits that would arise from his plan and provides a defense towards any counterargument. Swift even suggests ways to prepare the children and which holidays to eat them on. It is interesting that Swift gave such a thorough explanation of this plan to incorporate human babies into the livestock market considering that the entire plan was satirical and would never be implemented. This excessive explanation is used to add to the effectiveness of the paper by making the subject seem even more ridiculous. When swift drags out his satirical plan, it reinforces the idea that the views held by the majority of the Irish are just as ridiculous as the excessively detailed plan that Swift has presented. As the reader glances over each consecutive step of Swift’s plan, he will begin to form his own opinions on the subject. Through this criticism of the Irish elite, Swift shows the reader that when used properly, satire can be an extremely effective writing device.
