“A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift is a brilliant example of satirical writing that exposes the faults and vices of 18th century English society. Through his use of irony, Swift criticizes the oppressive policies of the English ruling class and highlights the extreme poverty and suffering of the Irish people. This essay will explore how Swift uses satire to shed light on these social issues, using evidence from the text to support the argument that "A Modest Proposal" serves as a scathing critique of English society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay One of the main ways Swift uses satire in "A Modest Proposal" is by using grotesque irony to expose the heartless nature of the English. ruling class. Throughout her essay, Swift presents a seemingly outrageous solution to poverty in Ireland: suggesting that the Irish population should sell their children as food for the rich. This shocking proposition aims to highlight the indifference and callousness with which English elites treat the Irish people as mere commodities. Furthermore, Swift's choice of language adds to the grotesque nature of the proposition. He describes the children as "delicious" and "nourishing", treating them as if they were farm animals rather than human beings. This stark contrast between the dehumanizing language and the horrific proposition serves to highlight the moral bankruptcy of the English ruling class and their disregard for the suffering of the Irish people. In "A Modest Proposal", Swift uses satire to criticize the dominant English perception of the Irish as subhuman. By suggesting that Irish children should be treated like cattle, Swift highlights the racist and dehumanizing attitudes that were prevalent in English society at the time. This satirical depiction serves to challenge and condemn the discriminatory beliefs of the English ruling class. Swift further emphasizes this point by employing a detached and clinical tone in his writing. He presents his proposal as a logical and rational solution to poverty, devoid of any emotional or ethical considerations. This calculated approach highlights the inhumanity of the English perception of the Irish and exposes the prejudices inherent in English society. Swift also uses satire in "A Modest Proposal" by using exaggerated statistics and economic reasoning to expose the absurdity of the situation. English economic policy. In his essay, Swift claims that his proposal will have various economic benefits, such as reducing the number of Catholics and increasing the income of property owners. However, these claims are clearly exaggerated and illogical, and serve to highlight the irrationality of English economic policies which perpetuate poverty in Ireland. For example, Swift argues that the sale of Irish children for food will contribute to the Irish economy by providing a new source of income. of income. However, this argument is clearly absurd because it overlooks the ethical and moral implications of such a proposition. Swift's use of exaggerated economic reasoning mocks the flawed logic of the English ruling class and exposes the underlying injustice of their policies. ConclusionIn conclusion, “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift is a masterful satire that exposes the faults and vices of English society in the 18th century. Through his use of irony, Swift criticizes the heartless nature of the English ruling class, the racist perception of the Irish as..