A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift PDF Download

A M o d e s t P r o p o s a l

For preventing the children of poor people in Ireland,

from being a burden on their parents or country,

and for making them beneficial to the publick.

by Dr. Jonathan Swift

1729

It is a melancholy object to those, who walk through this great town, or

travel in the country, when they see the streets, the roads, and cabbin-doors

crowded with beggars of the female sex, followed by three, four, or six

children, all in rags, and importuning every passenger for an alms. These

mothers, instead of being able to work for their honest livelihood, are

forced to employ all their time in stroling to beg sustenance for their

helpless infants who, as they grow up, either turn thieves for want of work,

or leave their dear native country, to fight for the Pretender in Spain, or sell

themselves to the Barbadoes.

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 commonwealth, would deserve so well of the publick, as to have his

statue set up for a preserver of the nation.

But my intention is very far from being confined to provide only for the

children of professed beggars: it is of a much greater extent, and shall take

in the whole number of infants at a certain age, who are born of parents in

effect as little able to support them, as those who demand our charity in the

streets.

As to my own part, having turned my thoughts for many years upon this

important subject, and maturely weighed the several schemes of our

projectors, I have always found them grossly mistaken in their computation.

It is true, a child just dropt from its dam, may be supported by her milk, for

a solar year, with little other nourishment: at most not above the value of

two shillings, which the mother may certainly get, or the value in scraps, by

her lawful occupation of begging; and it is exactly at one year old that I

propose to provide for them in such a manner, as, instead of being a charge

upon their parents, or the parish, or wanting food and raiment for the rest of

their lives, they shall, on the contrary, contribute to the feeding, and partly

to the clothing of many thousands.

Overview

A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift

A Modest Proposal is a satirical essay by Jonathan Swift, published in 1729, that critiques British policy towards the Irish poor. Swift suggests an outrageous solution to poverty by proposing the consumption of infants, highlighting the dehumanization of the impoverished. The work serves as a powerful commentary on social injustice and economic exploitation in Ireland. Readers interested in political satire and social commentary will find this piece both provocative and thought-provoking. It remains a significant work in literature for its bold critique of societal norms. Key Points Explores the extreme poverty faced by Irish families in the 18th century. Uses satire to criticize British colonial policies and their impact on Ireland. Proposes the shocking idea of using infants as a…

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FAQs

What is the main argument of A Modest Proposal?

In 'A Modest Proposal,' Jonathan Swift argues that the impoverished Irish might ease their economic troubles by selling their children as food to wealthy gentlemen and ladies. He presents this shocking suggestion as a solution to the overwhelming number of beggars and the burden they place on society. Swift's satirical approach critiques the British government's neglect of the Irish poor and highlights the dire conditions faced by the lower classes.

How does Swift calculate the number of children available for his proposal?

Swift estimates that there are about one hundred twenty thousand children born annually to poor parents who cannot support them. He subtracts those who can maintain their own children, those who miscarry, and those who die within the year. This calculation serves to emphasize the significant number of children who could be 'utilized' in his proposal, showcasing the severity of the social issue at hand.

What are the benefits Swift claims from his proposal?

Swift outlines several benefits of his proposal, including reducing the number of impoverished individuals, providing a new source of food for the wealthy, and alleviating the financial burden on poor parents. He argues that this would lead to a more prosperous society, where the poor would gain profit from their children instead of suffering. Additionally, he suggests that it would encourage marriage and maternal care, as mothers would be incentivized to produce healthier children.

What is the tone of A Modest Proposal?

The tone of 'A Modest Proposal' is satirical and ironic. Swift employs a serious and rational tone to present his outrageous suggestion, which serves to shock and provoke thought among readers. By using this tone, he critiques the inhumane attitudes of the wealthy towards the poor and highlights the absurdity of the social and political conditions in Ireland during his time.

What societal issues does Swift address in his proposal?

Swift addresses several societal issues, including poverty, overpopulation, and the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy. He highlights the plight of beggars and the inability of the Irish government to provide for its citizens. Through his extreme proposal, Swift draws attention to the moral failings of society and the urgent need for reform in how the poor are treated.

How does Swift suggest the children should be prepared for consumption?

Swift suggests that children should be well-nursed and fattened before being sold for food. He humorously details that a child will make two dishes at an entertainment and can be prepared in various ways, such as stewed or roasted. This grotesque suggestion serves to further emphasize the absurdity of his proposal and the dehumanization of the poor.

What does Swift imply about landlords in his proposal?

Swift implies that landlords have been exploitative and have 'devoured' the parents of these children, suggesting that they have a moral obligation to take responsibility for the consequences of their actions. By proposing that landlords should purchase the children, he critiques their greed and lack of compassion, highlighting the disconnect between the wealthy and the suffering of the poor.

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