A Modest Proposal By Dennis, Val, Sarah, Emily, and Noah

Jonathan Swift Born in November 30th, 1667 in Dublin, Ireland Anglo-Irish satirist, essayist, and poet Also known for writing Gulliver’s Travels Moved to England in 1686 Continued to visit Ireland, and eventually took a job at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.

Jonathan Swift Had two children who were older during the time “A Modest Proposal” was written Wrote “A Modest Proposal” in 1729, and “Gulliver’s Travels” in 1726 In 1742, he lost the ability to speak due to a stroke Died in 1745, in his hometown of Dublin, Ireland

Ethos Ethos is an appeal to ethics, and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader.

Ethos as an Author Swift had one parent who was from England and one parent who was from Ireland. This caused him to spend most of his time living between both of these countries.

Ethos as an Author Spending so much time in each country gave Swift a very unique perspective that many people could not have. He was able to sympathize with the Irish but communicate on the level of the English and be heard.

Ethos as an Author Swift was able to spend time in Ireland and experience the horrible treatment of the Irish by the English. Swift was also able to spend time in England and see the ways the Irish were portrayed by them.

Ethos as an Author Experiencing life in both these countries gave Swift the ability to really understand life for each of them. Without this, the text would not have had the same impact. His credibility made this work so powerful.

Description of Text Modest Proposal suggests that the poor indigenous people of Ireland should consider selling their babies to wealthy families to make money. This is proposed to help with their economic issues.

The selling of these poor babies for food would also lead to a decreased population. Swift suggests English and the wealthy landowners of Ireland are causing the poverty and misery of the population. Description of Text

The suggestion, made by an American friend who is informed about the selling of babies for food, explains how certain sizes and ages of the young children will sell better; making more money for the family. Description of Text

Audience The intended audience is the English in hopes to enlighten them about their lack of morality and to change the thought process of the English. He wanted the English to truly perceive the Irish as people.

Quote #1 “I have no children by which I can propose to get a single penny; the youngest being nine years old, and my wife past child-bearing.”

Explanation of this Quote This quote shows that Swift would not be able to benefit from this proposal, and with this realization, Swift is more believable, due to the fact that if he cannot benefit from selling babies for food, and that he is genuinely trying to help.

Quote #2 “I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a healthy young child well nursed is at least a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled….”

Explanation of this Quote Throughout the satire, Swift does not say that he took part in eating babies. Instead, he uses the savage image of the American friend, and this way, he directs the audience’s feeling of disgust away from himself, and maintains his credibility. This also avoids insulting either side because Americans were seen as savages.

Satiric Norm of “A Modest Proposal” Swift’s true views are demonstrated in the piece as the satiric norm. This blend of reality and satire demonstrates the ethos of both the narrator and Swift. This unique strategy is why the piece has its place in history

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