A Modest Proposal For preventing the Children of Poor People From being a Burthen to Their Parents or Country, and For making them Beneficial to the Publick, commonly referred to as A Modest Proposal, is a Juvenalian satirical essay written and published anonymously by Jonathan Swift in 1729. The essay suggests the impoverished Irish might ease their economic troubles by selling their children as food to rich gentlemen and ladies. This satirical hyperbole mocked heartless attitudes towards the poor, as well as British policy toward the Irish in general.
I chose to feature this essay on this blog of free novels because even though it does not reach the length usually required for the “novel” label, it definitely provides much to think about. Everyone who reads this essay realizes the premise is satire; however, if you do not have strong analytical skills, it would be extremely easy to believe Swift actually thought eating babies was a solution to the impoverished Irish's problems. As one reads this beautifully crafted piece of writing, his arguments almost appear plausible, and the reader even begins to agree with his points, especially if the reader isn't knowledgeable about the plights of Swift's audience at the time of publication.
This essay is a masterful example of satire. Satire is supposed to cause the reader to feel uncomfortable, at times make one chuckle or even laugh out loud, but most importantly, satire is supposed to force the reader to think, think differently about whatever object, person, or situation is being satirized. Sometimes satire is less obvious, sometimes it's outrageous, and sometimes it's blatantly ridiculous. This piece of satire has remained a popular example, so popular in fact the phrase "a modest proposal" is now conventionally an allusion to this style of straight-faced satire and ideas with the same level of ludicrousness.
My favorite English teacher in high school defined satire as simply “thoughtful laughter.” And I can't think of a more precise definition, especially in regards to Swift's modest proposal.
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