Jonathan Swift - “A Modest Proposal”
Critically consider the way satire works in the text
Jonathan Swift, an Anglo-Irish writer, is one of the greatest prose satirists in English literary history. Swift’s literature works flexibly use irony, parody, and hyperbole to portray the social issues of British and Irish in the 18th century. Furthermore, Swift's writings are deeply influenced by his personal experiences and the oppression of British rule in Ireland, and his writings are still affecting literature and social commentary nowadays. In this essay, I will explore the satirical use and its effects in “A Modest Proposal.”
In “A Modest Proposal “ Jonathan Swift uses aggressive satire to grab the attention of the Irish and urge them to acknowledge their circumstances. Swift presents his essay as a serious proposal, using statistics and economic proofs to express a sense of logic in his abnormal ideas. Additionally, Swift carefully counts the quantity of infants for consumption, the financial advantages for families, and the culinary options, all with meticulous detail. This professional statistics implies the cold attitudes of the British policymakers towards the Irish, describing their heartless and inhumanity. For example, Swift suggested that a healthy infant might serve as a “delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food” for wealthy landlords, and it pictured the absurdity of treating humans as economic assets. The exaggeration in Swift’s proposal used as a powerful tool to provoke the Irish reconsidering their own rights and social justice. By suggesting the Irish children to be treated as merchandises, Swift forces his readers to acknowledge how much they are dehumanized by British rule. His exaggerated suggestion likes a mirror, reflecting the harsh realities faced by the poor and been oppressed from the privileged classes. This obviously exaggerated suggestion is intended to awaken the Irish, motivating them to regain their rights, and ultimately inspire them to challenge their oppression. Swift’s use of satire not only shocks but also captures the reader’s attention, making his work more influential and memorable.
In addition to irony, Swift effectively employs invective, using harsh and critical language to attack his targets. Swift’s use of invective is clear in his satirical proposal to sell Irish babies as food, which criticizes the wealthy English landlords for exploiting the poor Irish. For instance, 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.” This statement is an example of invective. The word “devoured” in the text is used to describe the landlords’ treatment to the Irish, showing their exploitation and abuse. Additionally, Swift’s invective is not only limited to landlords but also policymakers. He calls them “projectors” who propose various impractical plans for Ireland’s economic problems, which often hurts the poor. His satirical work thus serves as a strong critique, in order to shame and prompt action against the systemic injustices faced by the Irish people.
In conclusion, Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” uses criticism and satire to highlight social issues. Swift uses humorously exaggerated proposals to provoke thought and encourage the Irish to recognize their rights in the face of British rule. By presenting these ridiculous suggestions, Swift intends to make his audience understand their poor situation under British oppression. The satire in the text not only just criticizes social injustices but also encourages every reader to consider their rights. That’s the reason why “A Modest Proposal” remains a timeless work, and continues to force every reader to feel the power of satire in against injustices.