"A Modest Proposal" Response.

In his essay, "A Modest Proposal", Dr. Jonathan Swift uses satire to try to convince the Irish government to change their ways in order to save the people of Ireland. This form of satire was unbelievable at points, and certainly different from how most people would think. Swift's use of satire shows his criticism of the Irish government, the high amount of homeless people, and the widespread poverty. Swift proposes that the people of Ireland begin eating their children, in order to prevent hunger and poverty. By eating the new children, Swift says all children will be less of a burden, and Irish families would be able to support the children they already have. Swift claims that eating the kids would support all of Ireland without as much work. The children would taste good, and they would be enough to support whole families, or even parties of people, “a young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricasie, or a ragoust”. Swift writes that “A child will make two dishes at an entertainment for friends, and when the family dines alone, the fore or hind quarter will make a reasonable dish, and seasoned with a little pepper or salt, will be very good boiled on the fourth day, especially in winter” Wit this proposal, many people would be able to easily eat a tasty, satisfying meal of young Irish child. He states that "breeders", Irish couples that have too many kids, would be able to produce more children in order to support the country. These so-called breeders would be able to freely have sex, without worrying about the soon to be child, or getting an abortion. Swift states that his proposal would strongly decrease the number of abortions that happened, and kids wouldn't be unwanted and neglected. They would no longer be a burden on their parents. Producing, selling and consuming the children would greatly help the Irish economy as well. Poor tenants of Ireland would then be able to pay their rent, and pay to live comfortably enough. The economy would flourish and grow, leaving those poor tenants in a much better place. Eating the children, Swift also proposes, would raise the value of marriage for young people getting married. Swift says it will make more Irish folk more serious and caring about family and the issue of marriage. Both would be much more appreciated by young people, and elders. Swift's use of satire shows the reader many benefits that would come from eating the children of Ireland, and how the government should be doing something to help. Swift criticizes the Irish government, saying that it doesn't do enough to help stop the famine and poverty, but that he is actually proposing something in an attempt to help. Swift doesn't like that the government has done little to nothing to help out. Swift is upset that the government has done so very little to help out, without even attempting something to stop the famine. Swift's essay is very blunt and straightforward, simply in order to receive a good reaction out of the useless government, and the starving people. Swift simply wants to help - he is not trying to do anything weird, or immoral. He wants to make a difference because the government is not doing a good job. Eating the children is disturbing and wrong, but Swift's use of satire shows that he is not completely serious - because eating children is immoral - but in a way, he is still trying to make a point that it would be extremely helpful, and profitable for everyone. The consumption of the children of Ireland is disgusting, especially when Swift says, "I rather recommend buying the children alive, and dressing them hot from the knife, as we do roasting pigs." It seems as if Swift is being completely serious, and he almost crosses the line; it's dismissible though, because he is simply trying to help, and his use of satire shows his joking side. Swift dehumanizes the people of Ireland, and especially the children, by calling them a "dish" that you could eat for a dinner, and by saying children are "a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food." Swift's use of satire is hard to detect at times, but by the end of the proposal, the reader can tell Swift is simply making a proposal, and not completely meaning it. Swift is trying to help, and makes a fairly good proposal in order to do just that; he believes he can really truly help. Swift makes it clear when he says, “I profess, in the sincerity of my heart, that I have not the least personal interest in endeavouring to promote this necessary work, having no other motive than the publick good of my country, by advancing our trade, providing for infants, relieving the poor, and giving some pleasure to the rich.” Swift believes his problem will help, but he also says, "I am not so violently bent upon my own opinion, as to reject any offer, proposed by wise men, which shall be found equally innocent, cheap, easy, and effectual.” Dr. Jonathan Swift believes his method will help everyone in Ireland, and that it will be more effective than anything the government is doing.