Introduction
Poverty is a rather severe issue that was and is often met with various ideas for solutions. In his essay, A Modest Proposal, writer Jonathan Swift offers to address this issue especially. He wants to prevent the offspring of financially unfortunate individuals from being a liability to their parents and their country so that they can benefit their people. The following text represents a rhetorical analysis of this work, reviewing the strengths and weaknesses, the underlying mood, and the overall goal of the text.
Goal
The goal of the text is formed using multiple elements featured in it. The essay starts by depicting the background, introducing the reader to the upcoming atrocious solution. Swift then explains how and why he perceives his idea as a more appropriate solution. He mentions reviewing other people’s views and some valuable advantages, such as the prevention of abortions and the negative implications that could result from the increasing population of poor children (Swift, 1729). Swift explains how he believes this measure could be taken, such as when the inhumane dish would be served and the most appropriate season for harvesting them.
As mentioned earlier, the recommendations from Jonathan’s American acquaintance expand on the idea, offering that children aged twelve to fourteen be implemented for the same purpose (Swift, 1729). Although the writer refers to his friend as a lover of his country, he disagrees with the proposed idea. He states that losing females as future breeders and boys who would not have an agreeable taste would be a waste. This is another element of the essay that hints at the satirical nature of the work. It can be perceived as social commentary towards people who disagree with a possible extension of said idea despite proposing a cruel and humane solution to a severe issue.
The writer then returns to implementing pathos again, demonstrating a supportive attitude towards his compatriots, who are struggling with the depicted severity of poverty. This is a way to show that while Jonathan “understands” how cruel his idea is, he views this proposal as an appropriate way to overcome the problem (Swift, 1729). The writer then starts enumerating the advantages his radical and inhumane idea could implement, such as poor tenants having a valuable item and a significant increase in the country’s stock. Using these “positive” outcomes, the writer adapts the idea to the environment, its needs, and its people.
The writer then returns to a more obvious satirical tone by depicting other “expedients” for resolving the issue. With this lengthy explanation, the writer mocks the higher-ups who propose ominous ideas again, demonstrating how ignorant they are in such cases (Swift, 1729). Finally, the essay is concluded by him pretending to support, albeit factually rejecting, alternative solutions and perceiving them as unhelpful. The final paragraph of the text is the strongest representation of satire, as he implements the same excuses that an individual above would use. Thus, it is a brilliant criticism of wealthy and out-of-touch individuals who propose the harshest solutions.
Mood
Generally, the writer preserves a serious and rational tone throughout the text. However, some humorous paragraphs indicate that the work should not be taken literally. The paragraph before the previous one emphasizes it, as the arguments provided paint a satirical picture of a cruel and insensitive politician. The sarcasm becomes clear by demonstrating how out of touch such individuals are (Swift, 1729). The satire of the text is rather delicate while neither being too obvious nor too vague. Swift’s self-awareness makes the work more emotional and powerful, emphasized by the appropriate use of the depicted context.
Strengths
As shown throughout multiple parts of the essay, the writer is excellent at implementing pathos. Swift successfully appeals to the struggles and worries of the poverty-stricken audience he addresses. The man’s use of logos is in place, reminding the audience of their circumstances and relying on the readers’ logic (Swift, 1729). While hyperboles and anecdotes could derail the subject, the writer rationally explains how these devices benefit the text. Simultaneously, Swift remains self-aware throughout the text, corrects himself, and even addresses his derailment from the subject.
Weaknesses
While it is a part of the character he portrays, the writer’s ethos is still relatively weak, which he acknowledges. Swift relies too heavily on pathos, which almost makes his work suffer. Ideally, every work should have a proper balance of ethos, pathos, and logos, which is not the case due to the essay’s weaker ethos and moderate logos (Swift, 1729). Another flaw is that the anecdote may seem lengthy despite being relevant to the topic. Jonathan still disagrees with the idea offered in it, which may make it useless had it not been for the aforementioned self-awareness and self-correction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Swift’s essay is a satirical piece that mocks the proposal of a fierce idea to resolve a severely worrisome issue, such as poverty. He frequently employs pathos throughout his essay to appeal to the audience’s feelings. The writer attempts to rationalize the objective of butchering poor children and selling them to landlords. He even rejects a crueler expansion of the solution offered by his friend. The essay ends with blatantly obvious satire, demonstrating the real goal of the text.
Reference
Swift, J. (1729) A modest proposal.