Thesis For A Modest Proposal

During the late seventeenth century Ireland was a colony ruled under the British empire. Similar to most colonization, this had many negative impacts on the natives of Ireland such as poverty, overpopulation, and unemployment. In the essay “ A Modest Proposal for preventing the children of the poor people from being a burthen to their parents, or the country, and for making them beneficial to the Publick” written by Jonathan Swift, he convinces the readers that newborns at the age of one should be sold into the meat market for consumption of the wealthy. He recognizes the poor treatment received by the English and believes they are the root of Irelands problems; not the lower classes. Rather than delivering his true point of view directly,
He then goes on to present his logical and modest proposal that will ultimately put an end to this famine; using newborn babies as a unique culinary dish. He begins citing off many simplistic calculations; for instance, how many would be set aside for consumption and how much each child would cost per weight. In addition, he also provides a wide variety of cooking methods such as stewing, roasting and baking them (with a hint of salt and pepper). Suggesting it would be easy to arrange, he also argues the many social benefits that would arise from his scheme. Not only would it enhance Ireland's economy by encouraging people to buy local but also increase foreign trade, alleviate unemployment rate, and put an end to famine among the nation. Furthermore, his brilliant recommendations would also improve respect among married couples, provide wealth and even create competition among females to deliver the fattest child. The landlords and priests would finally have the incentive to treat the people with respect and “have at east one degree of mercy”() towards them. His arguments are not only valid but so convincing you may not be sure when to take him seriously or