Question

Identify two literary devices that Swift uses in his "A Modest Proposal" essay. Explain the importance of each device. Your answer should be at least 250 words.

Answer 1

I had this question on Odyssey! This is what I wrote.  

"A Modest Proposal" is a satirical essay that talks about the overpopulation Ireland was facing exposed by a humorous tone, to create awareness to the problem. One literary device is dramatic irony. Dramatic Irony is a literary device in which the intended meaning is different from the words used, it often uses sarcasm. In dramatic irony the audience knows the mistake the character is making long before the character realizes it. One example of irony in the essay is the ridiculous suggestion of eating babies. The readers know what a bad idea it is, but the character doesn't know, creating dramatic irony. Swift does not actually want anyone to eat babies, however, the speaker/ charcter does. The speaker thinks it's a great idea, but we are not supposed to agree. We know this is a terrible idea while he does not, and so dramatic irony is created.

    Another literary device is sarcasm. Swift uses sarcasm to make his argument that the Irish should not be ignored by the English. Ireland was hit with a potato famine and the commoners were the ones who suffered the most. When reading, one can first make the assumption that he is attempting to feel the pain of the beggars when really he is not content with living alongside them. Although Swift is not content with living among side commoners, he cannot stand to see them suffer and live the way they do. He uses alot of sarcasm like this throught the writing.

Answer 2

A Modest Proposal was written by Jonathan Swift in 1729, it is a satirical essay that talks about the overpopulation Ireland was facing exposed by a humorous tone, to create awareness to the problem.

• Dramatic Irony:

Irony is a literary device in which the intended meaning is different from the words used, it often uses sarcasm. In dramatic irony the audience knows the mistake the character is making long before the character realizes it.

One example of irony in the essay is the ridiculous suggestion of eating babies. The readers know what bad idea it is, but the character doesn't know, creating dramatic irony.

And butchers we may be assured will not be wanting; although I rather recommend buying the children alive, and dressing them hot from the knife, as we do roasting pigs.

• Anaphora:

Anaphora is the repetition of words at the beginning of successive sentences to create an impact, it is often used in political speeches and music.  Jonathan Swift uses anaphora to emphasize a change of tone making a serious proposal for readers.

Of taxing our absentees at five shillings a pound. Of using neither clothes, nor household furniture, except what is of our own growth and manufacture. Of utterly rejecting the materials and instruments that promote foreign luxury. Of curing the expensiveness of pride, vanity, idleness, and gaming in our women. Of introducing a vein of parsimony, prudence and temperance. Of learning to love our country, wherein we differ even from Laplanders, and the inhabitants of Topinamboo. Of quitting our animosities and factions, nor acting any longer like the Jews, who were murdering one another at the very moment their city was taken. Of being a little cautious not to sell our country and consciences for nothing. Of teaching landlords to have at least one degree of mercy towards their tenants.