Jonathan Swift - "A Modest Proposal"


My copy of 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die finally came!  I enjoyed flipping through and seeing all the recommended books, and skimming some of the summaries.  The artwork is very nice too, they have a lot of author photos and pictures of some of the book covers and posters from movies based on the books.  It’s very well put together.
I wanted to start with something short since I just received the book and I’m late posting.  I've also been down with a rather nasty cold this week so I haven't felt up to doing very much.  I chose Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” not only for its length but also because it’s Halloween season and the subject matter is a little macabre so it’s fitting.  
First, a little background on Swift and the history behind his essay.  Swift was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1667.  His father passed away prior to Swift’s birth and his family were taken care of by his uncles.  Swift was sent to Kilkenny School when he was a boy and later graduated from Trinity college.  He is best known by his many pieces of political satire and by Gulliver’s Travels.
At the time that “A Modest Proposal” was written, Ireland was in a state of turmoil.  The country was under English control, divided between Catholics and protestants, over populated, and largely poor.  Jobs were scarce and the poor were starving and begging in the streets.  While there was much talk amongst the affluent about what could be done about the poor citizens, there was very little actually being done to help them.  “A Modest Proposal” serves to draw attention to the lack of real asistance being given.
I’ve been back and forth about whether to mention what his proposal is in my review and I think I’ll keep it a secret.  It’s much more jarring if you read the essay without knowing what he’s going to discuss first.  Let’s just say that the means by which he suggests to provide income for poor families is quite scandalous and certainly would have gotten people talking about the essay’s subject matter.  If taken seriously, not as the satire it is meant to be, it is quite sickening.  I do think that the jovial, almost humorous tone of the essay helps to let the reader know that this is meant to be satirical.  I have to say that I’m not entirely sure why it has been included, it’s an essay not a book, but I do love satire and this is a very good example of its use.  I don't imagine this often gets read outside of school but I highly recommend reading it and it is readily available on the internet.  It is a quick, easy read and is both historically significant and entertaining.

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