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Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal is a satirical tract intended to draw attention to the plight of the Irish poor by arguing in a seemingly serious manner that Irish babies should be sold as food for the English. Swift uses both the economic theories of his time and moral sounding language to argue that this is the best solution to the problem of poverty. The tract gives statistics and recipe suggestions. The arguments are heavily focused on this proposal helping with population control. The tract concludes with Swift arguing that this solution is preferable to other popular solutions.
Despite the seemingly serious language the irony is apparent. In his apparent arguments in favor of his proposal he compares them to arguments that unlike his tract were intended to be serious propositions showing the flaws and horrific nature of some proposals that were considered acceptable by many people.
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Fast Facts
- Written by Jonathan Swift
- Full title is A Modest Proposal: 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 Publick
- Originally written as a pamphlet
- Written in 1729
- Satirical essay
- Influenced modern writings from Hunter S. Thompson's [http: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_and_Loathing_in_America:_The_Brutal_Odyssey_of_an_Outlaw_Journalist_1968%E2%80%931976 Fear and Loathing in America] to blog posts
- Name of the [http: //amp.utdallas.edu/ The University of Texas at Dallas' Alternative Student Newspaper]
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Quotes from A Modest Proposal
- "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."
- "But my intention is very far from being confined to provide only for the children of professed beggars; it is of a much greater extent."
- "I profess, in the sincerity of my heart, that I have not the least personal interest in endeavoring to promote this necessary work, having no other motive than the public good of my country."
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SparkNotes: A Modest Proposal Study Guide
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Victorian Web: "Satire and Significance in A Modest Proposal" (2003)
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Dean Swift: The Politics of Satire: "The Politics of A Modest Proposal" (October 2003)
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A Modest Proposal and Other Satirical Works (Dover Thrift Editions) - $2.00
Treasury of five shorter works by the author of Gulliver’s Travels offers ample evidence of the great satirist’s inspired lampoonery. Title piece plus The Battle of the Books, A Meditation upon a Broom-Stick, A Discourse Concerning the Mech...
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A Modest Proposal - $1.00
The full title of this short work is, "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." Jonathan Swift (1667...
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A Modest Proposal and Other Satires - $9.99
From the master of satire, Jonathan Swift, comes a collection of his classic satirical works. "A Modest Proposal and Other Satires" includes the following works: A Tale of a Tub, The Battle of the Books, An Argument Against the Abolishment ...
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Questions and Answers About A Modest Proposal | View All | Ask a Question
View All A Modest Proposal Questions (118) | Ask a QuestionWhat are the proposed changes for Mark to Market regulation? (1 Answer)They eased up on the guidelines of what the value of the investments are that a bank is holding. The trouble stemmed from the problem of banks with mortgages on ... read morehow do you propose (1 Answer)Propose what? Marriage? In the middle of a game? While you're on the field? Gee I dunno... write "Will You Marry Me?" on the ball, and throw it at her, ... read moreWhere to forward CS Research proposals? (1 Answer)I know HP does this sort of thing. I can't tell if they're affiliated with a certain university or not, but they do say "Awards under the 2009 HP Labs ... read moreWhat do you think of this Modest Mouse video directed by Heath Ledger? (5 Answers)I love the video and all the indie/retro animation. I also love the message that is being presented. I would like even if it wasn't directed by Heath Ledger, but ... read more
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Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal is a satirical tract intended to draw attention to the plight of the Irish poor by arguing in a seemingly serious manner that Irish babies should be sold as food for the English. Swift uses both the economic theories of his time and moral sounding language to argue that this is the best solution to the problem of poverty. The tract gives statistics and recipe suggestions. The arguments are heavily focused on this proposal helping with population control. The tract concludes with Swift arguing that this solution is preferable to other popular solutions.
Despite the seemingly serious language the irony is apparent. In his apparent arguments in favor of his proposal he compares them to arguments that unlike his tract were intended to be serious propositions showing the flaws and horrific nature of some proposals that were considered acceptable by many people.
-
Fast Facts
- Written by Jonathan Swift
- Full title is A Modest Proposal: 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 Publick
- Originally written as a pamphlet
- Written in 1729
- Satirical essay
- Influenced modern writings from Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in America to blog posts
- Name of the The University of Texas at Dallas' Alternative Student Newspaper
-
Quotes from A Modest Proposal
- </small>
- "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."
- "But my intention is very far from being confined to provide only for the children of professed beggars; it is of a much greater extent."
- "I profess, in the sincerity of my heart, that I have not the least personal interest in endeavoring to promote this necessary work, having no other motive than the public good of my country."
- </note>
