Jonathan Swift’s classic essay A Modest Proposal is one of the most iconic essays ever written and is a perfect example of hyperbole and satire.
A Modest Proposal is a satirical essay written by Jonathan Swift and published in 1729. It is one of Swift's most famous works and is often regarded as a masterpiece of satire. In this essay, Swift addresses the dire social and economic conditions in Ireland, particularly the suffering of the impoverished Irish population under British rule.
The essay takes the form of a proposal by Swift himself, suggesting a shocking and grotesque solution to the problem of poverty: that the impoverished Irish could sell their children as food to the wealthy. By presenting this absurd and inhumane suggestion, Swift aims to draw attention to the extreme exploitation and neglect faced by the poor, as well as to criticize the apathy of the British government and the wealthy classes towards the plight of the Irish people.
Swift’s use of irony and hyperbole serves to expose the moral blindness of society and to provoke outrage. He employs a cold, calculated tone, mimicking the language of economic and political discourse, to highlight the absurdity of treating human beings as commodities. The essay not only critiques the indifference of the ruling class but also raises questions about compassion, responsibility, and the value of human life.
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