A Modest Proposal lecture notes:

Jonathan Swifts essay, A Modest Proposal, is satirical, which means it is looking at a serious
situation in a way that brings attention to it through absurdity. Think of Saturday Night Live
skits, which are mostly satirical as well.

Swift is bringing to attention two things here: the way the English exploited Ireland and the
poverty and over population there that caused hunger and a lack of economical means for the
people. So, he suggests that babies and children be eaten in order to provide their parents with an
income. He, of course, is not being serious about this, but he IS serious about what is happening
in Ireland. He does give some realistic solutions to the problems on page 387, where he says
Therefore, let no man talk to me of other expedients: and then he lists those things that
would truly help the situation.

One thing to notice in this essay is the narrators persona. What do you think he sounds like? A
salesman? Businessman?

Besides poverty and hunger, what are some specific things he mentions that help contribute to
Irelands problems?