Question

At the beginning of the essay, swift explains the anticipated results before revealing the actual proposal. explain the rhetorical purpose of such a strategy.

Answer 1

By explaining the great results of his proposal, he is preparing the reader to agree with him.

By writing that his proposal will end hunger and poverty, the reader is eager to hear his plan and is predisposed to agree with him. When the reader learns of his actual plan, however, the reader is moved to shock.

The overall effect is that other plans to end poverty and hunger -- which Swift dismisses as ineffective -- now appear more reasonable.