A Modest Proposal was a pamphlet written by Jonathan Swift, published in 1729 (Moore). During this time of British rule, Ireland was heavily divided between rich and poor.

 Swift brought up a “great” idea that would solve all the economic problems that they were having during this time. He proposed that poor Irish families sell their children to the rich because children are tasty and their skins make fine gloves. Using basic knowledge, it is easy to understand that this idea is preposterous; which is exactly the reaction Johnathan Swift intended for his readers. By looking at the language Swift uses, one can see that it is written in satirical form; this is important because without understanding the context of the text it is impossible to see how the economic failures in 18th century Ireland influenced how it was written. To truly understand how the culture and time period effected how this piece was written, the reader must have a grasp not only on the fact that the pamphlet is satirical, but how political satire is intended to function.

The contextual clues in the pamphlet show us that the piece was not written to be taken seriously but to be taken almost like a joke. “I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee or a ragout” (Swift ). His audience may have thought that his proposal was legitimate at first, but this quote takes it over the top and the audience should understand that he is not serious at all. He is not only telling the poor that they should sell their children, but he is also telling the people how the children should be prepared to eat; This is insane. “Those who are more thrifty (as I must confess the times require) may flay the carcass; the skin of which artificially dressed will make admirable 7 gloves for ladies, and summer boots for fine gentlemen” (Swift). Here Swift is suggesting that the children should not only be eaten but their skin will be used to make accessories and shoes. As the text goes on, it gets more ridiculous, making it easier for the reader to understand that the text is written satirically. Political satire can be quite persuasive if the reader understands the political climate of time. A current reader of the pamphlet might understand how the culture and time period influenced the way this piece was written.

Many people who read this text today might get a comedic reaction to how ridiculous the idea was but a comedic reaction was not what the author intended. While satire is viewed as a type of comedy, it doesn’t normally give rise to the typical “Ha-Ha” reaction that the genre generally evokes. “Satire is a technique employed by writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption of an individual or a society by using humor, irony, exaggeration or ridicule. It intends to improve humanity by criticizing its follies and foibles” (literarydevices.net). The author’s intention was to enlighten the people to the idea of political change and allow them to realize the severity of their situation. 

Swift’s A Modest Proposal is politically motivated, and undermined the British Empire’s colonization and treatment of the Irish. The proposal is presented in fine logical sequence and is seemingly well calculated. The ‘shock value’ behind the suggestions and hidden accusations served as a testament to the moral inadequacies and limitless political behavior of the British (Szwec). 

When his audience read the pamphlet, they started talking about what was going on behind the scenes of the text, and that’s how social change was sparked. People began to realize how poorly they have been treated by the British rule and wanted to see some compensation. It is understood that the piece was intended to spark political change because it was published anonymously (Szwec). Swift didn’t want the British government to find the source of the fire, if he managed to cause one.

It is easy to see that the time and culture altered the way that A Modest Proposal was written. By analyzing the language that is used by Swift in A Modest Proposal one can see that the text was written in satirical form. Realizing that the text is written in satirical form is only half the battle, it’s the factors that go into why the text is written that way that are important. Every great writer crafts their work with the audience in mind; Swift was no different. The piece was written during a time when the people had no hope of a brighter day. There was no drive from the public to relieve their state of despair until this text was released. Satire is used to show the audience the terrible situation that they are in and to spark political change. Swift wanted the people to understand that if they don’t work towards political change something as drastic as a society that sells children for food might become more and more realistic. There is no doubt that the severity of the economic drought in 18th century Ireland and the brutal British rule played a huge part in shaping this text into a satirical pamphlet. 
