Question

Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal."

This I freely own, and 'twas indeed one principal design in offering it to the world. I desire the reader will observe, that I calculate my remedy for this one individual Kingdom of Ireland, and for no other that ever was, is, or, I think, ever can be upon Earth. Therefore let no man talk to me of other expedients: Of taxing our absentees at five shillings a pound: Of using neither cloaths, nor houshold furniture, except what is of our own growth and manufacture: Of utterly rejecting the materials and instruments that promote foreign luxury . . .

What is Swift’s purpose in listing other ways to solve the issue of poverty?

to show that his plan to sell children is the most reasonable plan that has been put forth
to show that society is already asking too much of wealthy individuals
to show that real reform is possible with reasonable sacrifice
to show that there are many other people who are trying to bring about reform

Answer 1

to show that his plan to sell children is the most reasonable plan that has been put forth

He sarcastically lists and rejects other "expedients" to make his outrageous proposal seem like the only practical solution, using irony to satirize political indifference and bad policy.