Essay On Satire In A Modest Proposal

Satire is my element. Every conversation feels my scathing and dry tone penetrate the ranks. So, when presented with this assignment, I could not help but smile. I actualize the quote by German satirist Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, “The finest satire is that in which ridicule is combined with so little malice and so much conviction that it even rouses laughter in those who are hit”, especially in regards to my list “Everything It Takes to Get Accepted to College”. Unsurprisingly, I hold infinite amounts of angst towards the college process. It has taken over my days, decimated my sleep patterns, and generally, ruined the past two years. All waking moments dedicate themselves to selling me as the person colleges want and need to have--just like
After voicing his frustrations to his government to no avail, he saunters down an alternate route. While digesting his most influential and recognized piece, all readers nod along with the author’s point: a change needs to occur in order for the Irish poor to end their suffering. That is until Swift mentions his plan, which involves raising babies, harvesting them at the ripe age of one, and selling their carcasses as a delicacy to the rich. Until the man reveals the details of his proposal, a majority of the readers nod along, eager to see Swift help the poor that plague the nation. Though no laughing matter like Lichtenberg suggests of satire, the poor do not realize the “hit” against them until they are too deep in their support for Swift. Instead of “[rousing] laughter”, the satirist rouses support from those “who are hit”, as he leads the poor and downtrodden along, appearing like he possesses a true solution to their problems. “A Modest Proposal” exists to criticize the Irish government for its lack of action in helping the poor improve their status, but first, Swift mockingly hits the poor by suggesting the sale of poor