...Very “Modest” Irony and Satire Jonathan Swift was born in Ireland in the 18th century during an era that has come to be known as the Golden Age of Satire. As a writer, he was profoundly influenced by the political climate of his times, especially the plight of the Irish poor, which spurred him to write the satirical, social commentary “A Modest Proposal.” The satirical essay addresses the issue of inequality and poverty experienced by the Irish through an outlandish solution that is “beneficial” to everyone. Verbal is present throughout the essay and even in the title. The proposal is far from modest and is rather shocking which Swift does to grab the attention of the reader. He satirically recommends commoditizing Irish babies to improve the economic outlook by selling poor Irish babies to the rich as a delicious food item. Swift’s proposal in his essay is a technique used to highlight a real issue and bring awareness to it by ridiculing the public (reader) through satire. The definition of satire is the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, and ridicule to expose and criticize people’s vices. In “A Modest Proposal,” Swift does exactly that through clever social commentary on the issue of poverty among the poor in Ireland through the various forms of satire. Swift differentiates the social classes in his writing through imagery, detailing the differences between the rich and the poor. He states, “Prodigious number of children in the arms, or on the backs, or at the heels of their...
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...which require salient and well respected amount of attention. In Satires we see a divergent approach, authors use humor, irony, exaggeration to bring to light and chastise vices that are related to politics or an essential topic. In “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift, who was a well educated Irish author, clergymen and a satirist. “A Modest Proposal” speaks to dilemmas against Irish Catholics, he also addresses his proposals, there overall purpose is to address overpopulation issues of Irish children, while showing the use of over exaggeration, humor and irony. I believe “A Modest Proposal” is a very effective satire because after discerning the atrocious treatment to the Irish, Swift writes exposing the dreadful conditions with his “proposals”; which convey every...
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...Margaret Hazell ENG 2850 9 April 2013 What is satire, satire is a particular genre of literature that sometimes makes use of graphic and performing arts with the intent of ridiculing society into self-improvement. With social criticism being its main goal, it utilizes wit and dark sarcasm as its main tools to illustrate its point. Satire influences individuals to reevaluate themselves in order to modify senseless thoughts and behaviors. Various techniques are used in order to deliver a satirist effect, those of which house wit as their main weapon. These methods harmonize the mastering of coexisting trivial and serious matters as one sarcasm, showing praise but meaning the contrary to demonstrate irony, and asking questions rhetorically. Additionally, the author might understate an issue in order to maneuver the audience towards the true importance of the topic, adversely; exaggeration is used to lower the impact of an issue to its lesser value. Collectively, these techniques are exercised to bring out the human follies and vices in society. In Molière’s Tartuffe and Jonathan Swift’s essay A Modest Proposal, that both obliquely criticize and burlesque human behavior and the perception we have towards others. Through a satirist delivery, these authors offer an insight past the seemingly obvious, and aim to improve this faulty custom of one sidedness rather than eliminating it. Although these pair of literary pieces illustrates satire, it is Molière’s play Tartuffe that generates...
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...The major goal of writing a work of satire is to subversively expose social ills through the use of outlandish exaggerations that reveal moral truths. The satire does the work by utilizing the dominant mode of communication during a given historical moment. The satirist holds a social responsibility and that responsibility is to draw attention to the moral failings of the government as well as the people using various means of communication. In A Modest Proposal, Swift adopts the pamphlet genre to deliver his social criticism on the problem of poverty in Ireland as well as the expose the indifferent attitudes of the more disadvantaged toward those experiencing economic disparity. Swifts use of economic language as well as his creation of images...
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...Mr. Swift was satirical when he proposed the butchering and consumption of children as a way to solve Ireland’s socioeconomic problems. He even addresses domestic violence and proposes that “Men would become as fond of their wives, during the time of their pregnancy, as they are ow of their mares in foal, their cows in calf, or sow when they are ready to farrow; nor offer to beat or kick them (as is too frequent a practice) for fear of miscarriage.” I am not satirical when I propose that we drop the word domestic in front of the word violence, and for those who commit such horrific acts swift (no pun intended) and harsher penalties must be enacted and enforced. Domestic is defined as: of or relating to the home, the household, household affairs, or the family. Including this word in front of violence numbs the connotation and takes away from the directness of the action. I believe when people read ‘domestic’ violence it is taken less seriously. It puts the spotlight on the victims. The victims are questioned, as are their motives for staying or not staying, reporting or not are questioned, when we would never question a victim who was not known to their attacker. Consider these facts about a recent prominent attack in our country: • He cracked his stepson’s skull. • Pleads guilty, with intent to grievously harm or kill. • Choked & kicked his first wife. • Abused his dog. • PROSECUTORS REDUCED HIS CHARGES-including allegation he pointed loaded gun at his wife. • Dishonorably...
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...absurd, “Modest Proposal.” Swift does this to illustrate the dire situation the Irish people. Swift effectively displays satire by ensuring that the mockery is evident and exposes and mocks the plight of the Irish. In “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift, Swift substantiates his display of satire by employing irony, sarcasm, and appeals to ethos, logos, and pathos. Jonathan Swift uses rhetorical techniques to effectively convey satire in his work of literature. For example, Swift uses sarcasm to ridicule the wealthy elites of Ireland; he writes that smaller babies should be granted to “landowners, who, as they have already devoured most of the parents …” This characterizes the wealthy landlords (who were mostly Anglo-Saxon Protestants) as powerful and unfair people who care less about the well-being of Ireland’s poor population. Moreover, Swift mocks the underprivileged in Ireland in a more direct manner. Jonathan Swift exposes the poor conditions of the Irish working class, describing, “the vast number of poor people, who are aged, diseased, or maimed …” In addition, Jonathan Swift uses irony to further develop his satire. In the conclusion of “A Modest Proposal,” Swift states that his only intention is, “the public good of my county…” This is ironic as it mocks the wealthy Irish landowners, who were only concerned with their personal wealth. Hence, Jonathan Swift uses rhetorical techniques to demonstrate the plight of Ireland—the wealth inequality. In “A Modest Proposal,” Jonathan...
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...Ryan Warm 1 Swift wrote "A Modest Proposal" under a pseudonym, so who is the speaker here? The speaker was created by Swift, and in this case was a man off of the street. 2 Discuss the tone of the piece. Pull examples from the text to support your discussion. The tone was informative and optimistic, because the man told of his solution and believed that it would work. For example, when he says, “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!” 3 As you know, effective argumentation appeals to logic (logos), ethics (ethos) and emotions (pathos). Please discuss how Swift uses all three appeals and how these tools impact his purpose. Swift appealed to logic by proposing something illogical, which provokes attention. He appealed to ethics by creating something unethical, which is eating children. He appealed to emotions by making certain people angry with his crazy proposal. All of these appeals cause readers to take interest in his essay and helped them realize the issues in society. 4 Explain the irony in Swift’s title, "A Modest Proposal." This proposal was very extreme, by suggesting the eating of children to solve the problem; so calling it modest is very ironic. 5 Where does this essay fit on the continuum (Horatian to Juvenalian)? Explain/support your position. The essay is Juvenalian...
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...Jonathan Swift 1. Swift wrote "A Modest Proposal" under a pseudonym, so who is the speaker here? The speaker is a Protestant and a member of the Irish upper class. 2. Discuss the tone of the piece. Pull examples from the text to support your discussion. Swift showed disgust for the people who would rather beg than take care of themselves. He says, “These mothers instead of being able to work for their honest livelihood, are forced to employ all their time in strolling to beg sustenance for their 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 Barbados.” 3. As you know, effective argumentation appeals to logic (logos), ethics (ethos) and emotions (pathos). Please discuss how Swift uses all three appeals and how these tools impact his purpose. Swift appeals to logic by stating the issue at hand. He also appeals to logic by asking why it is the public’s responsibility to take care of these needy families. Swift appeals to pathos and ethos through the diction he uses when describing the problem. He wants the situation to change but he wants it to change for every party. 4. Explain the irony in Swift’s title, "A Modest Proposal." The title is ironic because the proposal is anything but modest. Swift presets an outrageous solution to an ongoing problem. His proposal calls attention to this problem in an extremely eye-catching way. He seems...
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...Assignment 1: Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” Dr. Anthony McCormack Strayer University World Culture II Gladys A. Reyes July 25, 2015 In the satire “A Modest Proposal’, Jonathan Swift expresses his feelings of frustration with regard to the aggravation and political issues in Ireland. He describes being frustrated with the indifference of Ireland politicians, the wealthy, the English tyranny, and the degradation and poor conditions in which many poor, Irish women and children have been forced to live in. Swift is embarrassed for those that come to the towns and travel the country, only to see the streets full and crowded with beggars. Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” satire is a reality called for the politician, the wealthy, and the people of Ireland to look for way to improve the lives of the poor, to stop the English social oppression, and to ultimately end the indifferences and life inequalities in Ireland (Levine, 1995). Jonathan Swift was born of Protestant, English parents in Dublin, Ireland on November 30, 1667. He was a man that was immersed in the secular world of men and woman, of politics and political intrigue. He was a devoted friend to those he loved as he was an implacable enemy to those he disliked. He lived in London most of his life, but after the death of Queen Anne in 1714, he was offered a position as Dean of St. Patrick’s in Dublin. He held his position until his death in 1745 at the age of seventy eight. He was buried in St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Glendinning...
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...One of the things that made me choose this piece of literature was the although the pamphlet is more than 280 years old, A Modest Proposal, is still considered one of the finest examples of satire literature. It is not an easy feat to be a renowned satirical writer. To be a great satirical writer, the author must be able to bring out the absurdity in any subject. Satire is considered a powerful and intellectual instrument that can be used to educate and inspire. There are just a few exceptional individuals who know very well how to use it. Additionally, the author must be able to use hyperbole to make their point. Using hyperbole is a rare literary form that exaggerates facts. Many people relate hyperbole to sarcasm. ”I have been assured by...
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...A Modest Proposal was a satirical essay written by Jonathan Swift depicting the horrific conditions of Ireland and the lives of the Irish people in 1729. Swift writes the satire disguised as a social planner of the time who as Swift satirizes were known to be overly rational rather than compassionate. The author portrays and attacks the cruel and unjust oppression of Ireland by its oppressor, the mighty English and ridicules the Irish people at the same time. However, Swift's opposition is indirectly presented. Jonathan Swift is able to do so by using the persona, irony, and wit in order to expose the remarkable corruption and degradation of the Irish people, and at the same time present them with practicable solutions to their economic problem Swift uses the false persona in order to satire the social workers of the time as he saw them. Swift creates a fictional persona because by hiding his true identity he is able to convince the readers of the significance of Ireland's problem and allow them to see truth and reality. The persona is a concerned Irishman who is very intelligent, sound, and serious. He appears to be a brute and a monster for proposing something evil and immoral very calmly as if it is normal to consume the flesh of another human being. What makes his proposal to be even more depraved is that he proposes to eat the babies. The persona declares, and at exactly at one year old that I propose to provide for them, in a such a manner as, instead of being...
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..... .. | | . |A Modest Proposal | |By Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) | |A Study Guide | |Cummings Guides Home..|..Contact This Site | |.. | |Type of Work | |Purpose | |Historical Background | |Summary | | ...
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...Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” name English 301 December 3, 20xx In “A Modest Proposal” (1729), Jonathan Swift used satire for a double purpose: to attack those that he considered responsible for the financial situation of Ireland, and in the same time, to push those who were in a position of power to take rational measures against poverty in Ireland. In his poem, Swift made use of the image of the Projector; a character whose role is that o designing plans that would lead to some improvements being made in the society. Swift’s narrator in “A Modest Proposal” is an Economic Projector who imagines the entire plan from the point of view of a cold and objective individual. The impersonation’s result is that most often, critics see the Projector as a person who sounds just like Swift when in fact, the truth is that Jonathan Swift was brilliant in making himself sound like a projector(Lockwood 1974). The present paper examines the role of the Economic Projector in the paper, arguing that he does not represent a projection of Swift’s own persona but rather, he is a character through which the author realizes his satirical purpose. The paper further holds that the projector has a central role in creating the meaning of the work. Literary critics and commenters of Swift’s work placed great emphasis on the role of Swift’s economic projector, the narrator who imagines the entire cannibalistic plan described in the poem....
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...Humorists Essay Alain de Botton argues that the chief aim of humorists is not only to entertain, but to state the messages that might be dangerous to say directly. Satire such as Jonathan Smith’s A Modest Proposal helps to exemplify the fact that joking about a taboo subject humorously, will allow it to become more of an acceptable thing to say. Comedians also tend to exemplify this statement by humorously discussing controversial topics through their comedy routines. Satire such as Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal uses humor to “convey with impunity messages that might be dangerous or impossible to state directly”. He talks about a world where unwanted and malnourished children can be cooked and served to the higher ranked, wealthier people. Swift suggests that this could be the solution to the overpopulation and poverty problems the country is facing. By proposing this “plan” in a humorous, satirical way, it is seen as humorous comedy and not a socially unacceptable ideal. The way the satire is effectively used evokes conversation about the topic through a humorous proposal. This thought-evoking Davis 2 satire brings to light the actual problems that are plaguing the country (in this case, poverty and the separation between the rich and the poor). Another type of comedy that brings out the actual problems being faced by the world is the television show “The Colbert Report”. This popular TV show, hosted by Stephen Colbert, is a parody of a newscast. He incorporates...
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...In swifts Modest Proposal, he leaves us with a surprise ending that he does not gain anything economically since he has no children that can be sold in meat markets. This surprise is identical when swift suggests that children should be sold to meat places as it would boost the Irish economy and have new recipes in their menu. This creates surprise as swift had to consistently eat or sell his children if they lived in Ireland. In his surprise ending, swift was successful in convincing as he had already calculated on the age, price and weight of the children to be sold. Also in his proposal he argued that chefs could improve their culinary skills as there would be new meat in their recipe. Similarly, swift gives a surprise ending as he uses the catholic religion as satire when he uses “papist” word used by anti-Catholics to reject pope. By being stereotypic on Catholics, he argues that young infants were not able to steal which implied that it was a common practice of the Irish catholic. Generally, swift uses satire in his modest proposal as it is unbelievable in what he was proposing such as selling and eating babies. Suggestions such as using carcasses of the infants to be used as women gloves and clothing also creates prejudices against the poor. Also by his declaration that landlords “devoured” the unable parents depicts that the wealthy lived on the expense of the poor. Swift uses the rich as satire to show how disconnected they were from the poor that would agree with his...
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