Question

Write a paragraph that objectively summarizes Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" and explains his purpose.

Answer 1

In "A Modest Proposal," Jonathan Swift presents a satirical solution to the pervasive poverty and overpopulation in Ireland during the 18th century, suggesting that impoverished Irish families sell their children as a source of nourishment for the wealthy. Swift employs shocking rhetoric and a starkly ironic tone to highlight the grotesque indifference of the English authorities towards the suffering of the Irish populace. His purpose is to criticize the inhumane conditions faced by the poor and to provoke a sense of moral outrage among his readers. By presenting his outrageous proposal in a rational, businesslike manner, Swift aims to draw attention to the dire social and economic issues of his time, ultimately calling for compassion and reform rather than mere charity.