Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Jonathan Swift's 1729 essay, "A Modest Proposal" which is a satirical critique of the British Empire's viewpoint in the population of Ireland. Swift's historical accuracy is questioned in relation to the science of population demographics instituted in the late seventeenth century. The paper also argues that the multiple claims about the Irish population's worth by the British are pejorative and unethical .

From the Paper:

"In 1729, Irish writer Jonathan Swift wrote a satirical pamphlet entitled "A Modest Proposal" in which he outlined his suggestions for "Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland from Becoming a Burden to Their Parents or Country, and for Making Them Beneficial to the Public." In his essay, Swift "recommends" that approximately one-hundred thousand children of the poorest families in Ireland sell their children at one year old in order to become food for those individuals and families who can afford the proposed price of ten shillings per child. Swift insists that this system..."

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