A Modest Proposal

by Jonathan Swift

Overview

In addition to its social commentary, "A Modest Proposal" is also considered a masterpiece of satire. Swift employs a deadpan and logical tone to present his outrageous proposal, making it all the more shocking and effective. He also uses various rhetorical devices such as hyperbole and irony to emphasize his points and subvert the reader's expectations.

The essay was originally published anonymously and caused a great deal of controversy when it first appeared. Some readers initially took Swift's proposal seriously, leading to outrage and calls for the author to be punished. However, over time, the essay came to be recognized as a brilliant work of satire that exposed the injustices of the time and advocated for social reform.

Today, "A Modest Proposal" is considered a classic of English literature and is frequently taught in schools and universities around the world. It is also often referenced in discussions of political satire and social criticism. The essay's enduring popularity and influence attest to its power as a work of art and as a call to action against social injustice.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940185769898
Publisher:	Peter Kattan
Publication date:	03/08/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	41 KB

About the Author

Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) was an Irish author and satirist best known for his works "Gulliver's Travels" and "A Modest Proposal". He was born in Dublin, Ireland to English parents and was educated at Trinity College Dublin, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Swift began his career as a secretary for Sir William Temple, a prominent diplomat and writer. During this time, he developed an interest in literature and began writing his own works. He published his first major work, "A Tale of a Tub", in 1704. The work was a satire on the religious and political conflicts of the time and established Swift as a leading satirist.

In 1726, Swift published "Gulliver's Travels", a novel that has since become a classic of English literature. The book tells the story of Lemuel Gulliver, a ship's surgeon who travels to several imaginary lands, each with its own peculiarities and customs. "Gulliver's Travels" is a complex work that uses satire to criticize society, politics, and human nature.

Swift also wrote numerous other works, including essays, poems, and letters. His most famous essay, "A Modest Proposal", was published in 1729 and is a biting satire on poverty and social inequality in Ireland.

Despite his literary success, Swift suffered from mental and physical health problems throughout his life. He suffered from a form of vertigo that made it difficult for him to write, and he also experienced bouts of depression. In his later years, he became increasingly isolated and withdrawn.

Jonathan Swift died in Dublin in 1745 at the age of 77. His works continue to be widely read and studied today, and he is considered one of the greatest satirists in the English language.