On a Modest Proposal - Essay Example

“A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift Jonathan Swift’s style of satire is praiseworthy and thought provoking. Swift suggests that poor Irish citizens should sell their children to the wealthy in exchange of food. Irish and English economic and political strategies do not favor the vast majority of the population. Using satire, and some metaphors and irony, she indirectly attacks the government. The story expresses Swift’s frustration through contrasting the insincerity of the wealthy and the squalid conditions in which some Irish people live.

A meaningful essay, relevant in the contemporary society, as it explores the oppressions citizens face from politician, and the ever-widening gap of the rich and the underprivileged. In addition, it explores the inability of the Irish population to unite and rise up against oppressive political systems. This is especially true in the contemporary society in which citizens face oppression but do nothing in the end to rectify the situation. Jonathan Swift challenges political governments to formulate strategies that are mindful of their citizen’s needs.

Through this work, Swift shows the severity of the situation when he asks the needy to sell their children in exchange of food (Swift 53). Through literary strategies such as metaphors and irony, she tries to convince governments to ease the pitiful conditions of the underprivileged. Through the essay, “A Modest Proposal”, Swift acts as an “unacknowledged legislator” because he addresses societal concerns through literature. Through rhetorical brilliance, Swift acts as a voice for the oppressed that are unable to better their lives or living conditions.

His prophetic attitude reflects the challenges that may occur in future if such unfair actions by the government continue. Work CitedSwift, Jonathan. A Modest Proposal. New York: Courier Corporation, 2012. Print.