"A Modest Proposal"

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses Swift's utilization of satire in "A Modest Proposal" when depicting the themes of moral degeneration and social stagnation. The paper shows how eighteenth century English society, as reflected in "A Modest Proposal," experienced a period of moral degeneration and social stagnation as a result of the society's strict adherence to the imposed mores and traditions of the Christian clergy. The paper discusses Swift's belief that religion has become the catalyst that helped proliferate the culture of hypocrisy. The paper conveys how the humorous yet critical mood and tone in "A Modest Proposal" allows Swift to achieve an effective satire.

From the Paper:

"In this essay, Swift utilizes satire as a method and style through which he was able to criticize English society, centering on the issues of moral degeneration and social stagnation among its people, despite the dominance and prevalence of religion (specifically Christianity) in the society. These two prevalent themes are reflected in the essay through the resolution-problem-resolution order, wherein Swift offers his "proposal," then discusses the benefits of the proposal in detail, eventually returning to his proposal to reiterate his point and criticisms of English society."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Lake, P. (2002). "The enchanted loom." Southwest Review, Vol. 87, Issue 2/3.
• Meyers, J. (2004). "Swift and Kafka." Papers on Language & Literature, Vol. 40, Issue 3.
• Swift, J. "A Modest Proposal." In 75 Readings: An Anthology. (1999). S. Buscemi and C. Smith (Eds.). Boston: McGraw-Hill College.

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• Analytical Essay # 133866 : "Satire in "A Modest Proposal"

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