A Modest Proposal

Summary

A Modest Proposal is a masterful work of satire written by Dr. Jonathan Swift in 1729. Set against the backdrop of Ireland's severe poverty and overpopulation, this essay takes the form of a seemingly rational economic proposal that suggests a shocking solution: impoverished Irish families should sell their infants as a food source to the wealthy. Through this grotesque and deeply ironic proposal, Swift delivers a scathing critique of British colonial policies, the exploitation of the Irish people, and the cold rationality often employed in political and economic discourse.

While the essay’s suggestion is intentionally absurd, its underlying message is a powerful condemnation of the social and moral indifference of the ruling class. Swift’s biting humor and sharp wit force readers to confront the brutal realities of economic inequality, the dehumanization of the poor, and the ethical responsibilities of those in power. A Modest Proposal remains a timeless and provocative work that challenges audiences to reflect on the injustices of society and the often callous nature of policy-making.