A Modest Proposal For Preventing The Children Of Poor People

Satire is a method used by multitudes of authors and other artists for a plethora of different reasons. The ways that this method of literature is used is varied, and it is always interesting and somewhat difficult to find out exactly why these texts are written. A specific author who is known for utilizing satire in his works of literature is Jonathan Swift, whose hard-hitting essay â€Å"A Modest Proposal For Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland, from Being a Burden on Their Parents or Country, and for Making Them Beneficial to the Publick† is one of the most popular and analyzed texts within the world of satire, and truly makes one think about the art. One article that explores Swift’s use of satire within â€Å"A Modest Proposal† is Paddy Bullord’s â€Å"The Scriblerian Mock-Arts† This essay delves deeply into Swift’s works, and the art of satire in itself and is a great way to explore Swift’s work. The main question a bout Swift’s â€Å"A Modest Proposal† that will be explained and explored through this paper is this; what prompts Swift to write about his points using irony and satire, even though satire is a method that metaphorically goes over the head of its readers? Swift’s view on satire can be seen through Paddy Bullord’s article, where he explains how Swift felt about the art. Bullord states that many satirists refer to satire as something potentially effective, but ultimately something that can easily backfire on the author. As Bullord says, Jonathan Swift did not holdShow MoreRelatedEssay on A Modest Proposal: Satire at Its Best643 Words   |  3 PagesA Modest Proposal: Satire at Its Best Jonathan Swifts 1729 essay, A Modest Proposal, was a true example of satire at its best. Many readers at the time rejected the essay because they failed to understand the irony. It is presently one of the most well known works of satire and is a classic example of the technique most commonly used today. The entire essay from the title down to the last sentence were meant to be taken ironically, which is a rare form, but very effective when trying gettingRead MoreAnalyzing Jonathan Swifts A Modest Proposal: A Satirical Surprise Ending812 Words   |  3 PagesJonathan Swifts A Modest Proposal can be said to have a satirical surprise ending, even though the reader is well prepared for it based on the tone and style of Swifts writing and any prior knowledge of the authors intentions. Swifts final solution to the problem of overpopulation is for the poor to sell their children as food for the rich. He introduces this proposition quite early into the document A Modest Proposal, which i s why the ending is not so much as a surprise as it is an intriguingRead MoreShocking the Sensibilities in A Modest Proposal771 Words   |  4 Pagesnbsp; Shocking the Sensibilities in A Modest Proposalnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; nbsp; Two Works Citednbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Three years after Gullivers Travels was published, Jonathannbsp; Swift wrote A Modest Proposal, a work grounded in thoughtful satire. Swift describes the destitution that characterized the life of Irelands poor in the 18th century then renders a brazenly inhumane solution to their problems. He shocks the sensibilities of the readers then leadsRead MoreEssay about Jonathan Swift894 Words   |  4 Pages A Hardly â€Å"Modest† Proposal Jonathan Swift is regarded as one of the most famous satirical authors in history. He uses his wit, intellect and unfortunate past as tools for projecting his words in an attempt to baffle the unknowing. He achieves this by making humorous and farfetched situations that really resemble the ridiculous things people do. In â€Å"A Modest Proposal,† Swift addresses his feelings of England’s outlandish behavior towards the quot;less fortunate.quot; Swift is trying to help theRead More A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift Essay746 Words   |  3 PagesNot So Modest Proposal In 1729, with â€Å"A Modest Proposal;, Jonathan Swift raised the argument that, â€Å"For preventing the children of poor people in Ireland from being a burden to their parents or country, and for making them beneficial to the public; (44), we should rid ourselves of them by our own consumption. We should bake them, fry them, or serve them in a fricassee or ragout. Swift proposes his â€Å"humble; thoughts, for which he expects no objection, on the idea that it would be beneficialRead MoreAnalysis Of A Modest Proposal939 Words   |  4 PagesJonathan Swift’s â€Å"A Modest Proposal† Dr. Jonathan Swift wrote A Modest Proposal in the 1700s, addressing the idea to feed the poor. In this he successfully mocks the heartless attitudes the Irish have toward the poor. During this time conditions have been worsening in Ireland. Dr. Swift uses understatements, irony, sarcasm, and paradox in his satire piece. Swift makes it clear that more often than not citizens were passive about the present problems. With that, he created A Modest Proposal in likes toRead MoreEssay on Swifts Powerful Message in A Modest Proposal1136 Words   |  5 PagesMessage in A Modest Proposal  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚   In the Holy Bible, Jesus Christ states that there will always be poor, pathetic, struggling masses and nothing we can do will ever completely eliminate this element.   Swift also acknowledges the homeless people, but in a different vein than Christ.   In A Modest Proposal, the narrator expresses pity for the poor, but at the same time he strives to maintain his social dominance over them.   According to Swift, the English-Irish common people of the timeRead MoreModest Proposal Assignment Sheet958 Words   |  4 PagesAP English Language and Composition Ms. Bond Modest Proposal Assignment After reading Swift’s â€Å"A Modest Proposal,† it is time for you to be the satirist. First think of a major problem in modern society (It can be a domestic or international struggle). Then create an absurd solution but effectively argue that solution with ethos, logos and pathos. Do not be afraid to experiment with so-called experts, fantastic statistics and confusing syllogism (when you come to a conclusion from two differentRead MoreEssay about Effectiveness of a Modest Proposal1215 Words   |  5 Pagesthe hand. Jonathan Swift writes A Modest Proposal with no other motive than the public good of my country. He writes criticism upon the countrymen of Ireland, upon the masses. With his proposal, Swifts intention is very far from being confined to provide only for the children of professed beggars, because he wants to help solve the problem for all of Ireland. In order to help the country, Swift challenges the country. Jonathan Swifts A Modest Proposal is effective in highlighting IrelandsRead MoreModest Proposal785 Words   |  4 PagesNot So Modest Proposal In 1729, with #8220;A Modest Proposal#8221;, Jonathan Swift raised the argument that, #8220;For preventing the children of poor people in Ireland from being a burden to their parents or country, and for making them beneficial to the public#8221; (44), we should rid ourselves of them by our own consumption. We should bake them, fry them, or serve them in a fricassee or ragout. Swift proposes his #8220;humble#8221; thoughts, for which he expects no objection, on the