Question

Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal." I profess, in the sincerity of my heart, that I have not the least personal interest in endeavouring to promote this necessary work, having no other motive than the publick good of my country, by advancing our trade, providing for infants, relieving the poor, and giving some pleasure to the rich. I have no children, by which I can propose to get a single penny; the youngest being nine years old, and my wife past child-bearing. Which statement best describes how irony is used in this excerpt? Swift states that he is speaking from “the sincerity in [his] heart.” Swift states that he has an interest in “the publick good of [his] country.” Swift states that the youngest of his children is “nine years old.” Swift states that his “wife is past child-bearing” age.

Answer 1

Irony has an amusing effect, it says one thing but in reality it means the opposite. Although a satire is narrated in first person, this does not mean that the words written carry the thoughts of the writer. Swift states in the excerpt provided that he is speaking from "the sincerity of his heart", however it is well known that the writer was deeply affected by the economic restrictions imposed by England and by the injustice of the conditions in Ireland.

Answer 2

The first one. Based on the rest of the story which was a biting and sarcastic yet subtle condemnation of the church and England, he did in fact care,deeply for his country and especially the downtrodden.