Great Works of Literature II

Jonathan Swift is widely known for his style of writing. He uses satire to address many of the issues he faced during his time. “A Modern Proposal” is no different. Swift uses this style to get his audience attention. It is not clear at first who his audience is, but as the proposal continues it is clear that it’s directed towards the English. Swift’s message is a strong one, and his rhetoric reinforces his stature. The proposal is to have the poor children of Ireland be sold, to be eaten by wealthy merchants. The paradox he implements captures the readers’ attention immediately because the thought of eating children for the greater good sounds absurd.

At first I did not know what to make of Swifts proposal. The language was clear but the message itself was not. I asked myself: is he serious? As I read further I realized he was not, and through Swifts figure of speech the message became clear. This was a stab at the English and with his wit, and rhetorical brilliance Swift takes the voice of  an economist who has figured out how to get rid of the burden the Irish bring to the people of England. Swift attacks the English by saying they have already devoured Ireland politically with their policies. He states that many have tried to solve Irelands issues without care of the consequences it may do to human life therefore why is his proposal outrageous. He even says “let no man talk to me of these and the like 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”

I feel this is a great piece of literature because Swift argues for his cause by arguing against it in such a way that it makes it the epitome of what satirical writing should be. Swift gets to his point in his argument, and he ends it with the irony that he himself does not have children. This may make it seem like his position in this argument is irrational, because he cannot sacrifice what he himself does not even have. But this enforces Swifts argument even more about economics and politics in Europe. England which had wealthy men who put forth policies that didn’t affect them directly but affected the poor Irish people, and then the politicians would call them a burden. Swifts proposal was not serious but, the strong message hidden  makes it a great piece of work.