Cai 1

Erwin Cai
Mrs. Thompson
AP Lang, Block 2, Skinny B
5 May 2015
Publish-Ready Rhetorical Analysis Essay
A Rhetorical Analysis of A Modest Proposal
Let us eat babies. This is the main argument of Jonathan Swifts A Modest Proposal.
In paragraphs 20-26, Swift expertly uses a serious voice, systematic organization, and
professional diction to rationalize a seemingly irrational argument in an attempt to make a point
about the contemporaneous conditions in Ireland.
Through his emotionless speech, Swift manages to place emphasis on the conditions in
Ireland. For example, in paragraph 25, he thoroughly discusses eating children without a sign of
emotion: this food would likewise bring great custom to taverns, where the vintners will
certainly be so prudent as to procure the best receipts By being so serious and monotone,
Swift makes his reads more incredulous and stunned- he cant possibly be serious, can he? Are
the conditions in Ireland really that bad?
Furthermore, Swift conveys his ulterior point through utilization of a simplistic
organization where he systematically gives his points, numbered one through six: For first.
secondly. thirdly. fourthly. fifthly. sixthly. This organization makes the reading
easy to understand hand helps Swift convey his point. The reader is able to focus on the points he
makes, as each one strikes further and further home his argument. Through six brief,
numerically-organized paragraphs, Swift is able to effectively deliver his points.

Cai 2
In addition, Swifts extremely high-level and professional word choice lends authority
and credibility to his statements, making him more believable: digressed. refinement.
circulate. great inducement to. honest emulation. The vocabulary shows that Swift is an
educated individual, which makes readers more likely to believe such an irrational argument.
Through his vocabulary, Swift seems well-learned, which helps drive his point home.
While Swifts argument is to essentially consume year-old babies, his underlying
message is of the poverty in Ireland and the apathy of the rich. His monotonous voice, simplistic
organization, and high-level word choice lend him credibility and lend his argument plausibility,
which, in the end, drives home his underlying message even further.