Question

What were the social conditions in Ireland that occasioned the writing of Jonathan Swift's essay? Does the essay indicate what Swift considers to be the causes of these conditions? Does the government — the state — have a responsibility for the condition of its poor? Does Swift target anybody in particular with his satire? How can you tell?

Answer 1

In his essay "A Modest Proposal," Swift creates a satirical proposal: he argues that poor Irish families should sell their children so that they can be eaten by rich English people. Throughout the essay, Swift tries to explain why this is a good strategy for all involved.

The social conditions in Ireland at this time were extremely bad. Poverty was rampant, and famine was common. This was the consequence, to a large extent, of the unjust policies of the English, who controlled the island. Swift emphasizes this point by highlighting how little English people seem to care about Ireland. Moreover, he blames this on the government, targeting English leaders in particular, as well as the high classes.