Mendel 1Mariya Mendel Ms. WinslowAP English Language and Composition4 April 2014A Modest Proposal In the seventeenth century, Ireland faced problems of famine and economic stagnation. Instead of accepting this problem, Jonathan Swift offers A Modest Proposal which is a contradiction in itself. By discussing social problems in society without actually offering a solution but bringing awareness to them, Swift sarcastically proposes the idea of ​​cannibalism. It appeals to solve the problem by contradicting inherent sarcasm and witty metaphors to prove a senseless idea. Incorporating logos with extensive use of sophisticated diction and statistical analysis for an impossible solution adds to the absurdity. However, this absurd preposition helps to raise awareness of Ireland's economic and social problems. Swift develops a somber tone throughout the essay that contrasts with a cheerful and delightful mood. The introduction of his proposal opens with a dark tone of poverty and inequality which is demonstrated by incorporating terms such as “melancholic object” and “defenseless children”. He further demonstrates the poverty and problems by alluding to Barbados, a place where the Irish immigrated due to poverty. The citizens are illustrated to be living in famine as stated in "wanting food and clothing for the rest of their lives". This example illustrates the situation of the population in the country and, with such blunt language, raises awareness of the despicable situation. Ironically, poverty has worsened as Swift describes it as a “deplorable state of affairs.” Furthermore, the irony created in this juxtaposition in describing children as a "prodigious number" which elevates their status and leads the tone to be one of... middle of paper... authority and Swift's further discussion of the cooked children incorporates a sarcastic and witty mood. Statements like “I prefer to buy live babies and season them hot with a knife like we do roasted pigs” dehumanize people to the point of humor while highlighting the barbarity advocated by Swift's friend. In his satirical attack on the famine in Ireland, Jonathan Swift introduces an idea that is not so much a modest proposal as a commentary on the corruption of society. Using a sarcastic tone, sophisticated diction and irony, he highlights the problems plaguing Irish society. In conceiving a regrettable idea, he shows deceptive meaning in the way he approaches the topics. Ultimately, he attempts to point out the problems by using exaggerations and dehumanisation of people to prove his point and stimulate active interest in the situation in Ireland..