Introduction
The various literary genres that authors use in their works allow them to reveal the text’s central idea uniquely. The genre of satire, which the Anglo-Irish writer Jonathan Swift uses in A Modest Proposal, is an essential tool for conveying the author’s thoughts. The masterful application of satirical literary techniques, in contrast to the seriousness of the proposed solution for the Irish people, makes A Modest Proposal not only intimidating but stimulating for its intended audience.
Satire in A Modest Proposal
For a detailed review of Jonathan Swift’s literary work, A Modest Proposal, it will be essential to emphasize that it is one example of the writer’s satirical masterpiece. Satire is a literary work based on the author’s desire to highlight certain human vices, various errors, and stupid thinking. At the same time, the author talks about them in a humorous form, using such literary techniques as irony and sarcasm, clearly demonstrating the absurdity of what is happening to the reader.
In A Modest Proposal, Swift uses numerous satire techniques. One of the most significant is his sarcasm, expressed in the words, “a young, healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and 60 wholesome food” (59-60). Through them, Swift contextually highlights and ridicules England’s unjust and tyrannical treatment of the Irish people.
Intended Audience and a Solution for Ireland
To understand the intended audience of A Modest Proposal, it is important to stress some aspects of Jonathan Swift’s biography. Since he is both an Irish and an English writer, much of his life took place in England. However, seeing an apparent injustice to the Irish, Swift attempted to influence the situation by attending various government meetings in England and reflecting on his position in his writings. Consequently, the people in high positions who determined England’s policy towards Ireland were the intended audience of A Modest Proposal. As a satiric proposal, a solution Swift makes for poor Irish people, one should highlight his advice to sell children so that the English lords can eat them. He writes, “I grant this food will be somewhat dear, and therefore very proper for landlords” (76). Consequently, Swift’s approach is intended to highlight the absurdity and ridicule of the English lords’ actions and intimidate them.
Distribution Methods in A Modest Proposal and Ireland Rulers
Despite the intended audience as English lords, Swift appeals to the leaders of Ireland. Because of the satirical writing style, the reader feels a sense of relative seriousness, with which the author discusses the possible benefits that Irish rulers will gain from selling their children to landlords. Because the English lords could use all parts of the children’s bodies for their purposes, the Irish could make much money from these deals. Swift writes, “the skin of which, artificially dressed, will make admirable gloves for ladies, and summer boots for fine gentlemen” (95-96). Consequently, Swift’s rhetoric emphasizes administrating Irish resources in the way of financial benefits and reports.
Intents of Swift, his Intended Audience and their Political Standing
As emphasized earlier in the essay, Swift intentionally uses a satirical element: the seriousness of reasoning about the benefits that Irish people can gain from selling their children. Swift deliberately describes the nuances of this process and what the English lords, which are the intended audience of A Modest Proposal, can get. “I think the advantages of the proposal I have made are obvious” (140-141). Consequently, Swift hopes to achieve the fear and horror of these people for their actions and indifference to the Irish’s fate and change the terror policy towards Ireland.
My Reaction to Swift’s Proposal
Initially, my reaction to Swift’s proposal was to recognize his mastery as a satirical writer. I want to emphasize that I have paid particular attention to the seriousness of the original story in A Modest Proposal. Swift states, “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” (15-16).
With this, Swift creates an atmosphere of seriousness about his proposal for the Irish people. This fact determines my subsequent level of horror, which intensified as the author described the details of the benefits for English lords. However, such a literary method of satire seemed to me effective in drawing the public’s attention to a specific problem and causing guilt in the intended audience.
Swift’s Attribution to an American and Reference to Barbados
When considering why Swift attributes his idea to an American, it is vital to understand that the year in which A Modest Proposal was first published is 1729. During this period, America began its long journey of wars and colonization before becoming an independent power. Consequently, it can be argued that, by referring to England’s unjust and tyrannical treatment towards the Irish people, Swift parallels the American government and indigenous people, whom the Government of America increasingly colonized. He writes, “my American acquaintance assured me from frequent experience that their flesh was generally tough and lean” (109-110). In addition, Swift relates his document with the references to Barbados, where slaves were used to producing sugar for European people, to highlight the similarity of England-Ireland relationships with slavery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to emphasize that the satirical mastery of Jonathan Swift in his work A Modest Proposal is an instrument of the considerable influence that the author masterfully uses concerning the intended audience. In addition, various hidden subtexts and ironic and sarcastic elements give the reader a wide range of knowledge and emotions. However, it is important to note that the problem Swift describes has a critical, terrifying nature. A Modest Proposal should serve as a reminder for governments whose central policies are imperialism and colonialism.