TOW #6: A Modest Proposal (Written Text)

Jonathan Swift, an Anglican member of the Irish upper class in the eighteenth century and harsh critic of England’s exploitation of the Irish, wrote in 1729 “A Modest Proposal” to the British upper class. His caustically satirical piece is meant to bring to attention the shameful handling of the Irish poor.

The hyperbolic satire employed by Swift “humbly” proposes that to alleviate the burden of the plethora of impoverished Irish Catholics on the kingdom, the children of the poor, upon reaching a year of age, might be slaughtered as hogs and served as food to the wealthy. Though on the surface Swift’s tone is earnest, sarcastic undertones suggest that his proposal is by no means a serious one. Swift writes: “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” (Swift 7). Though topically logical, Swift is in truth pointing out that the landlords have ruthlessly taxed the lower classes to the point of extreme poverty, “devouring” their means of sustaining themselves. Swift’s satirical prose is successful, as he employs ethos, pathos, and logos, as one would do in a serious argument, in an ironic manner. He explains the logical benefits, such as a new dish, new income for the Irish poor that might be exploited by landlords, and a reduction in the Irish Catholic element. He additionally cites sources, which he claims are credible, to support his argument, including “the famous Psalmanazar” (Swift 9). This example, in fact, works to further his satirical criticism, as Psalmanazar was actually a famous imposter who convinced many church officials and nobles of cannibalism in Formosa. Pathos he appeals to with his claim that his proposal is rather charitable.

This aside, perhaps Swift’s most effective strategy is his usage of paralipsis, ending his piece by saying “let no man talk to me of other expedients…” (Swift 11), at which point he apparently dismisses many methods of aiding the Irish poor, such as by taxing the absentee landlords, or by rejecting many foreign luxuries in favor of those made at home. This part of his proposal brings to light Swift’s true opinions of how to deal with the poverty and greed by saying that they should not be addressed, ironically proposing cannibalism as a more viable solution.