A Modest Proposal

Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal is one of the most provocative and enduring works of satire in the English language. Published in 1729, this essay presents a shocking solution to the poverty and overpopulation plaguing Ireland: the suggestion that the poor should sell their children as food to the wealthy. Written in a tone of cold rationality, Swift’s proposal is a masterful blend of irony and outrage, exposing the dehumanizing effects of economic exploitation and colonial oppression. Through this deliberately grotesque suggestion, Swift forces readers to confront the moral failings of a society that prioritizes profit over human dignity, making A Modest Proposal a timeless critique of greed and indifference.

Beneath its shocking surface, A Modest Proposal is a profound indictment of the British government’s policies toward Ireland and the complicity of the Irish elite in perpetuating suffering. Swift’s use of biting irony and calculated logic highlights the absurdity of treating human lives as commodities, while also underscoring the dire conditions faced by the Irish poor. The essay’s enduring power lies in its ability to provoke both discomfort and reflection, challenging readers to question the systems and attitudes that allow such injustices to persist.

A Modest Proposal remains a cornerstone of satirical literature, celebrated for its boldness, wit, and moral urgency. Swift’s ability to blend humor with searing social commentary ensures that the work continues to resonate with modern audiences, offering a stark reminder of the dangers of apathy and the importance of empathy in addressing societal issues.

About the author

Jonathan Swift (1667–1745) was an Anglo-Irish satirist, essayist, and clergyman, best known for his sharp wit and incisive critiques of human folly and societal injustice. Born in Dublin, Swift became a prominent voice in both literary and political circles, using his works to challenge authority and advocate for reform. His most famous works include Gulliver’s Travels, A Tale of a Tub, and The Drapier’s Letters, all of which showcase his mastery of satire and his commitment to exposing the failings of his time. Swift’s legacy endures as a testament to the power of literature to provoke thought, inspire change, and illuminate the complexities of the human condition.