A Modest Proposal

"A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift is a satirical essay that humorously suggests the impoverished Irish might ease their economic troubles by selling their children as food for the rich. Swift employs biting irony to critique the heartless attitudes towards the poor, as well as the British policy towards Ireland in the 18th century. This work is a classic example of Juvenalian satire, using outrageous propositions to expose social injustices and human folly.