ENGL 216 Critical Analysis Thesis and Brainstorming
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Liberty University Online Academy *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
216
Subject
English
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by CommodoreCapybara377
Work Analyzed:
“A Modest Proposal” by Johnathan Swift
Thesis:
Johnathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” is a Neoclassical piece of literature that utilizes
a satirical writing style in order to address the extremely high poverty rate in Ireland by
emphasizing reason.
Summary:
During the English neoclassical movement, various authors sought to emulate the
literary styles of the Greeks and Romans. “A Modest Proposal” by Johnathan Swift exemplifies
some of these ideals. The central theme of Swift’s proposal, which involves the notion of
“fattening up” and selling children to address starvation, serves as a prominent illustration of the
piece’s satirical nature. Swift suggested that the wealthy could use impoverished Irish children as
a source of sustenance and other resources in times of scarcity. Throughout this literary work,
Swift employed satire to highlight the idea of using cannibalism as a solution to Ireland’s
overpopulation issue, which was leading to poverty and the inability to support families (Swift,
1729).
Additionally, this piece aligns with the neoclassical concepts of the era in another way. Swift
used satire to draw a comparison between children of the poor and basic livestock. When Swift
proposed treating poor children as commodities akin to livestock, he used satire to underscore
the notion that the wealthy regarded them as possessing little more than breeding and clothing
potential. This satirical proposal by Swift deeply shocked Irish leaders, serving as a necessary
wake-up call, revealing how England was exploiting their situation. The impact of this proposal
underscores the significance of satirical writing during the Neoclassical period of literature.
The enduring impact of Swift’s proposal speaks to the enduring importance of satirical writing
during the Neoclassical period of literature. It only captivated readers with its daring and
unconventional approach but also spurred deep reflection on the societal issues of the time,
including class disparities, overpopulation, and the relationship between the rich and the poor.
Swift’s work continues to be a powerful testament to the enduring relevance of satire as a means
of social commentary, and its ability to provoke thought, challenge norms, and prompt change in
society.
References
Swift, J. (1729).
A Modest Proposal
. Retrieved November 2, 2023, from
https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GCCO&u=vic_liberty&id=GALE|
DLXPFZ007414540&v=2.1&it=r&sid=mindtap-
embedView&sPage=28561343&asid=15497933
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help