A Modest Proposal Essay by Jonathan Swift

A Modest Proposal Essay by Jonathan Swift

A Modest Proposal, written by Jonathan Swift in 1729, satirically addresses the dire poverty in Ireland and proposes a shocking solution to the issue of overpopulation among the poor. Swift critiques the British government's neglect and the moral decay of society through his outrageous suggestion of using impoverished children as a food source. This essay serves as a powerful commentary on the exploitation of the Irish people and the inhumane attitudes towards the poor. Aimed at readers interested in social justice and satire, this work remains relevant in discussions about economic inequality and ethical responsibility. Swift's use of irony and hyperbole effectively highlights the absurdity of the social and political climate of his time.

Key Points

  • Explores the satirical proposal of using poor children as a food source to address poverty in Ireland.
  • Critiques British colonial policies and societal indifference towards the Irish poor.
  • Utilizes irony and hyperbole to emphasize the moral implications of exploitation.
  • Addresses themes of economic inequality, social justice, and ethical responsibility.
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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 public.
by
Dr. Jonathan Swift
1729
It is a melancholy object to those, who walk through this great town
1
, or travel in
the country, when they see the streets, the roads and cabin doors crowded with beggars of
the female sex, followed by three, four, or six children, all in rags, and importuning
2
every passenger for an alms. These mothers instead of being able to work for their honest
livelihood, are forced to employ all their time in strolling to beg sustenance
3
for their 5
helpless infants who, as they grow up, either turn thieves for want of work, or leave their
dear native country, to fight for the Pretender in Spain, or sell themselves to the
Barbadoes
4
.
I think it is agreed by all parties, that this prodigious
5
number of children in the
arms, or on the backs, or at the heels of their mothers, and frequently of their fathers, is in 10
the present deplorable state of the kingdom, a very great additional grievance; and
1
this great town: Dublin, the capital of Ireland.
2
importuning: persistently annoying or intrusive.
3
sustenance: nourishment.
4
sell themselves to the Barbadoes: Barbados is an island in the West Indies; the
poor often sought better fortunes by going to the New World, often as indentured
servants because they had no money for their passage.
5
prodigious: extremely large in number.
therefore whoever could find out a fair, cheap and easy method of making these children
sound and useful members of the commonwealth, would deserve so well of the public, as
to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation.
But my intention is very far from being confined to provide only for the children 15
of professed
6
beggars: it is of a much greater extent, and shall take in the whole number
of infants at a certain age, who are born of parents in effect as little able to support them,
as those who demand our charity in the streets.
As to my own part, having turned my thoughts for many years, upon this
important subject, and maturely weighed the several schemes of our projectors, I have 20
always found them grossly mistaken in their computation. It is true, a child just dropped
from its dam
7
, may be supported by her milk, for a solar year, with little other
nourishment: at most not above the value of two shillings
8
, which the mother may
certainly get, or the value in scraps, by her lawful occupation of begging; and it is exactly
at one year old that I propose to provide for them in such a manner, as, instead of being a 25
charge upon their parents, or the parish, or wanting food and raiment for the rest of their
lives, they shall, on the contrary, contribute to the feeding, and partly to the clothing of
many thousands. There is likewise another great advantage in my scheme, that it will
prevent those voluntary abortions, and that horrid practice of women murdering their
bastard children, alas! too frequent among us, sacrificing the poor innocent babes, I 30
6
professed: openly declared.
7
dropped from its dam: dam is generally used in animal science as the term for
the female parent of infant livestock rather than a human mother.
8
two shillings: An English unit of currency of the day equal to 12 pence; twenty
shillings constituted a Pound.
doubt, more to avoid the expense than the shame, which would move tears and pity in the
most savage and inhuman breast.
The number of souls in this kingdom being usually reckoned one million and a
half, of these I calculate there may be about two hundred thousand couple whose wives
are breeders; from which number I subtract thirty thousand couple, who are able to 35
maintain their own children, (although I apprehend
9
there cannot be so many, under the
present distresses of the kingdom) but this being granted, there will remain an hundred
and seventy thousand breeders. I again subtract fifty thousand, for those women who
miscarry, or whose children die by accident or disease within the year. There only remain
an hundred and twenty thousand children of poor parents annually born. The question 40
therefore is, How this number shall be reared, and provided for? which, as I have already
said, under the present situation of affairs
10
, is utterly impossible by all the methods
hitherto proposed. For we can neither employ them in handicraft
11
or agriculture; we
neither build houses, (I mean in the country) nor cultivate land: they can very seldom
pick up a livelihood by stealing till they arrive at six years old; except where they are of 45
towardly parts
12
, although I confess they learn the rudiments
13
much earlier; during which
time they can however be properly looked upon only as probationers
14
: As I have been
9
apprehend: uneasily anticipate.
10
present situation of affairs: conditions.
11
employ them in handicraft: manufacturing of handmade household goods
produced by weaving, sewing, or building furniture.
12
they are of towardly parts: showing exceptional promise; exceptionally
talented.
13
rudiments: fundamentals.
14
probationers: novices.
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End of Document
102
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FAQs of A Modest Proposal Essay by Jonathan Swift

What is the main argument of A Modest Proposal?
The main argument of A Modest Proposal is a satirical critique of British policy towards the Irish poor. Jonathan Swift suggests that the impoverished population could alleviate their suffering by selling their children as food to the wealthy. This outrageous proposal is meant to shock readers and draw attention to the dire conditions faced by the Irish, highlighting the moral failures of both the government and society. Swift's use of irony serves to emphasize the absurdity of the situation, urging readers to reconsider their views on poverty and responsibility.
How does Swift use satire in A Modest Proposal?
Swift employs satire in A Modest Proposal by presenting a shocking and absurd solution to the problem of poverty in Ireland. By suggesting that the poor sell their children for food, he highlights the extreme neglect and exploitation of the Irish people by the British government. The exaggerated nature of his proposal forces readers to confront the harsh realities of social injustice and the inhumane attitudes prevalent in society. Through this satirical lens, Swift critiques not only the policies of his time but also the moral indifference of the wealthy.
What themes are explored in A Modest Proposal?
A Modest Proposal explores several key themes, including economic inequality, social justice, and ethical responsibility. Swift critiques the exploitation of the poor and the moral decay of society, emphasizing how the wealthy often disregard the suffering of the less fortunate. The essay also addresses the consequences of colonialism and the impact of British policies on Irish society. Through his satirical approach, Swift encourages readers to reflect on their own complicity in social injustices and the need for compassion and action.
What historical context influenced A Modest Proposal?
A Modest Proposal was written during a time of severe economic hardship in Ireland, particularly in the early 18th century. The British government’s policies had led to widespread poverty and suffering among the Irish population, while the wealthy continued to prosper. This context of exploitation and neglect influenced Swift's writing, as he sought to draw attention to the plight of the Irish people. The essay reflects the frustrations of many who witnessed the injustices of colonial rule and the moral failures of society in addressing these issues.

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