Jonathan Swift's satirical essay, "A Modest Proposal," is a masterpiece that employs a variety of rhetorical strategies, including ethos, pathos and logos, to highlight the seriousness of the problem of poverty and famine in Ireland. Through the use of these persuasion techniques, Swift aims to provoke her readers and inspire them to take action. This essay will analyze the effectiveness of ethos, pathos, and logos in “A Modest Proposal” and demonstrate how they contribute to the overall impact of the essay. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Ethos: Ethos refers to the credibility and trustworthiness of the speaker or writer. In “A Modest Proposal,” Swift establishes his philosophy by presenting himself as a knowledgeable and compassionate individual who deeply understands the plight of the Irish people. He discusses his personal experiences and interactions with the poor, positioning himself as an authority on the subject. By incorporating ethos, Swift gains the trust and respect of her audience, making them more receptive to her argument. For example, Swift writes: “A very knowledgeable American acquaintance of mine in London assured me that a healthy young child being breast-fed is, at the age of one year, a most delicious, nourishing and wholesome food. » Here, Swift uses the credibility of his knowledge to support his proposition of selling infants as a food source. By referring to a “knowledgeable American,” he adds an element of expertise to his argument, which enhances his philosophy and reinforces the seriousness of his proposition. Pathos: Pathos appeals to the audience's emotions and values, with the aim of evoking sympathy or compassion. Swift skillfully uses pathos throughout her essay to elicit strong emotional responses from her readers. It vividly depicts the suffering of the Irish people, especially children, in order to evoke a sense of empathy and outrage. Swift writes: “I admit that this food will be somewhat expensive, and therefore very suitable for owners who, as they have already devoured most parents, seem to have the best title for children. This statement arouses a feeling of anger towards the landlords who exploit the impoverished Irish population. By highlighting the owners' cruel actions, Swift appeals to readers' sense of justice and sympathy for the suffering children, making them more likely to support her proposal. Logos: Logos refers to the use of logical reasoning and evidence to support an argument. In “A Modest Proposal,” Swift uses logos with the help of statistical data and rational arguments to convince her audience of the necessity of her proposal. It presents facts and figures to highlight Ireland's dire economic situation and the desperate need for a solution. For example, Swift states: “It is estimated that eleven thousand might be set aside for the race, of whom only a quarter would be males; which is more than we give to sheep, black cattle or pigs. » This statistical calculation provides a logical basis for his proposition, comparing the breeding of humans to that of livestock. By using this logical reasoning, Swift appeals to readers' rationality and encourages them to consider the feasibility of her proposal. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, Jonathan Swift's “A Modest Proposal” effectively uses ethos, pathos, and logos to convey a.