Jonathan Swift wrote this ironic and humorous story called “A Modest Proposal”, in 1729 to address problems in his nation and suggest a solution that could fix this troubling nation
Readers who read this much ironic and sarcastic story will find that Swift’s proposal is crazy but is reaching out to the problems of unemployment, population and poverty. Swift explains his very ironic proposal on how to fix these such problems. His proposal is to fatten up these undernourished children and feed them to Ireland's rich land-owners. Once the breeder has the newborn, the newborn can be supported on breast milk and two shillings for one year. After that one year, Swift proposal with go into action, “ I propose to provide for them in such a Manner, as, instead of being a Charge upon their Parents, or the Parish, or wanting Food and Raiment for the rest of their Lives; they shall, on the contrary, contribute to the Feeding, and partly to the Cloathing, of many Thousands.” Swift thinks that by step one of his proposal he’ll stop abortion in his words, “prevent that horrid practice of women murdering their bastard children, alas!” Then Swift goes off to explain more about his proposal using statics to calculate how many breeders who can have babies and then subtracted thirty thousand couple, who are able to maintain their children and summed up that around hundred and twenty thousand of poor parents who cannot take care of their children. With those hundred and twenty thousand children left, Swift suggest that they use cannibalism and consume babies. “ that a young healthy child well nursed, is at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled.” Swift also suggest that at a year old baby, can be sold in a meat market.

Swift talks about the amount he will charge of a nursing a beggar’s child to “ be about two shillings per annum, rags included and I believe no gentleman would repine to give ten shillings for the carcass of a good fat child.” Then goes on to say that the child skin could be made for gloves for ladies, and summer boots for fine gentleman.
Jonathan Swift believes that with these aspects of his proposal it will solve the problem of poverty, unemployment, and population.
Jonathan Swift used a lot of irony and satire to get his point across to his readers. He uses ironic statements by saying, “well grown, fat yearly child, which roasted whole will make a considerable figure at a Lord Mayor’s feast or any other publick entertainment.” This quote is very interesting to the reader and very eye- catching to the reader because the readers know that the author is using sarcasm to get the reader’s attention on the point he is trying to make. Another example of satire is when