Question

I think it is agreed by all parties, that this prodigious number of children in the arms, or on the backs, or at the heels of their mothers, and frequently of their fathers, is in the present deplorable state of the kingdom, a very great additional grievance; and therefore whoever could find out a fair, cheap and easy method of making these children sound and useful members of the common-wealth, would deserve so well of the publick, as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation.

–“A Modest Proposal,”
Jonathan Swift

Write a one- to two-sentence paraphrase of the passage. Be sure to maintain an objective tone.

Answer 1

Many people agree that the large number of children depending on their parents is an added burden given the country's current dire condition. Anyone who could devise a fair, inexpensive, and simple method to make these children healthy and useful members of society would be widely praised and publicly honored.