On a Modest Proposal written by Jonathan Swift - Essay Example

Jonathan Swift: “A Modest Proposal” In his essay “A Modest Proposal”, Jonathan Swift begins by regretting the widespreadpresence of beggars and impoverished children on the roads of Ireland, and proposes to submit a “cheap and easy method of making these children sound and useful members of the common-wealth” (Swift, par. 2). Swift goes on to suggest means to stop the abortion and murder of infants, and ensure that poor Irish children will not be a drain on the resources of their parents and the parish, but contribute to the economy.

Swift quotes statistical data to compute the number of poor children; he then devises a plan by which “20,000 may be reserved for breed” (Swift, par. 10), and the remainder may be sold on the market as food for wealthy landlords. He analyzes the disposal of poor children as a “saleable commodity” (Swift, par. 7), and discusses various ways to convert the flesh of children into delectable dishes. According to Swift, his proposal would ensure a reduction in the Irish Catholic population, serve as a source of income for the poor peasant, boost the economy of the country, lighten the financial burden of the parents, “bring great custom to taverns” (Swift, par. 25), encourage marriage and the good care of children, and boost the export of flesh.

He declares that there is a good market for this ‘commodity’. Swift now lists the measures which would improve the conditions of the Irish peasants: the taxation of absentee landlords, the use of locally manufactured goods, the rejection of imported luxuries, the practice of thrift, the fostering of nationalism, unity and virtue, compassion towards the poor tenants, and “a spirit of honesty, industry, and skill” (Swift, par. 29) in merchants. He concludes his essay on a cynical note, saying that these measures will not be implemented in Ireland and, therefore, his proposal is the only practical alternative.

Swift signs off with the affirmation the he is a totally disinterested participant in this debate, as he has no young children whom he could sell profitably!Work CitedSwift, Jonathan. “A Modest Proposal for preventing the children of poor people in Ireland, from being a burden on their parents or country, and for making them beneficial to the public.” Print.