A Modest Proposal

The essay offers a biting satire on the dire poverty in 18th-century Ireland, proposing an outrageous solution: feeding impoverished children to the wealthy. Swift employs statistics and even recipes to underscore his argument's economic rationale, blending humor with a stark critique of social welfare and political injustice. Renowned for his sharp satirical voice, Swift's work remains a powerful commentary on societal issues, reflecting his background as a member of the Anglo-Irish elite.