By: Jonathan Swift
Context
A Modest Proposal was written by Jonathan Swift during 1729 in Dublin. During this time period, the city was going through a period of poor harvest and disease, which caused poverty and starvation to the majority of the working class resulting in death to most. Swift claims that the children born in this generation are going to grow up to be theives in order to survive, stealing food just to keep from starving every night. This will decrease the food surplus because their are more mouths to feed in the city and increase the crime rate, making citizens more angry. So according to Swift, the solution will be to kill off the children and eat them for nutrients since the people of Dublin do not have enough food supply.
Why This Proposal?
I believe that Swift wrote this as a satire piece to show how desperate the working class has become to survive. This most likely served as a message to the leaders who, at the time, were under British rule. Swift goes on to say how this is a good idea because the abortion rates will decrease, children will not be starving, overpopulation/overcrowding will not exist, and more food will be provided for the people. On page twelve of the text, Swift claims, “I believe no gentleman would repine to give ten shillings for the carcase of a good fat child.” Meaning, that no one would feel guilty paying money to buy a child inevitably resulting in its slaughter. This quote is significant because by referencing money, it shows what is the real value of the people and the government. The people of Dublin would rather have money and sell their children for slaughter to gain nutrients, than be poor and hav a family. Swift uses this to call out the government for not caring about its people and only valuing what they can provide for the country, crops and money.