These are the characteristics that make <em>A Modest Proposal</em> a satire. A satire is a text that highlights the vices and follies of a particular entity through mockery and ridicule. Most of the time, this is done in order to encourage social change. In the text, Swift criticizes society by mocking how much importance people give to money and status. He also criticized the treatment of the Irish people by the English. Swift uses verbal irony constantly, by stating things that are in fact the complete opposite of what he means. Finally, he uses humour and ridicule by giving outrageous and ludicrous proposals that highlight the injustices of society.
