A Drastic Proposal

            The imagery in “A Modest Proposal” is represented as harsh, barren, and undeniably bleak.  Jonathan Swift describes “the streets, the roads, and cabin doors, crowded with beggars…” (Swift, 1) as he introduces his “modest” proposal to end the strife that embodies 1729 Ireland. The proverb “drastic times, calls for drastic measures” comes to mind as Swifts satirical proposition to solve the problematic over-population, and poverty by consuming the horde of infants and children that seem to be loitering the country.  The unconceivable notion that cannibalism could be ordained to satisfy the political, religious, and economical unrest that occupies Ireland is outrageous. Swift attempts to shock and shame his readers, land owners, and law makers into acknowledging Ireland’s main grievance, separation on state, rather than the destitute, famished, and apartheid under the control of the British Monarchy.

Published on Jun 6, 2012

A short production on life in Ireland in 1729

Meow Smithers to YouTube